asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that a serving soldier with continuous service since 1922, who has been awarded a military service pension under the Act of 1924, is debarred from receiving such pension while on active service; that a soldier to whom a pension becomes payable under the Act of 1924 on his discharge is entitled, if he reattests, to be paid the military pension while serving; and, if so, whether he is prepared to take the necessary steps to make similar provision for men with continuous service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Military Service Pensions.
I am aware that the facts are as stated by the Deputy. I do not propose to take any steps to make similar provision for men with continuous service.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, does he consider that two soldiers serving in the one rank and under similar conditions should be treated in this anomalous manner for the purpose of military service pension? Does he not think it equitable that the law should be revised so as to enable both of them to enjoy the same pensions?
I do not think it is a reasonable thing to have serving soldiers drawing military service pensions. There were only a few of these cases where men left the Army and then came back, and I do not see why we should extend the practice.
But is it not a fact that if two persons joined the Army in 1922, for instance, and served together until 1930, the one who served continuously until 1939 gets no pension while the other who left in 1930 and reattested in 1931, continues to enjoy a pension from 1931 to 1938? That is obviously an anomaly and discrimination against one type of soldier.
Because a few people got back by mistake, under those circumstances, is no reason why we should extend the mistake to all. The fact is that those who did resign and who have rejoined are not entitled to the same length of retired pay as the men having continuous service.