asked the Minister for Defence if, having regard to the number of N.C.O.'s and men at present leaving the Army on the expiration of service, he will now consider the advisability of granting them the same privilege of allowance for service, in respect of examinations, as that allowed to civil servants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Pensions.
As far as examinations for Cadetships in the Forces are affected, an allowance of two years is made in the upper age limit where the applicants are members of the Volunteer Force.
The question of allowances in respect of Army Service to candidates for Civil Service examinations has already been under consideration but it has not been found practicable to arrange for such allowances.
asked the Minister for Defence whether he will consider amending, by legislation or otherwise, the regulations governing the grant of pensions to members of the defence forces, so that the pension payable to an N.C.O. or soldier on the expiration of service will be based on pay plus grade allowance, not on pay only as at present.
Pensions payable under the Defence Forces (Pensions) Scheme, 1937, are related to rank irrespective of pay. Where soldiers have not the requisite service for purposes of pension they are paid gratuities. These gratuities are based on a flat rate for each year of service irrespective of ordinary or additional pay, but in the case of long service soldiers being discharged on grounds of age or disability the gratuity is calculated by reference to pay and additional pay provided that the soldier has been in receipt of such additional pay for a period of five years immediately preceding his discharge.
It is not proposed to amend the scheme in the manner indicated by the Deputy.