asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that under the Army Pensions Act, 1943, disablement from disease pensions are payable to claimants as from date of discharge, but that if claimant dies before his claim is decided by the board, his widow and children are entitled to pension only as from date of award, and whether he will take steps to rectify this anomaly.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Disablement Pensions.
I am aware that when an applicant for a disease pension under the Army Pensions Act, 1943, dies before a decision is reached, his death determines the claim, and that if his death is due to disease attributable to service in the Defence Forces during the emergency period, his widow and children can only be granted allowances as from the day after that date. It is not proposed to amend the Act so as to permit of payment being made from an earlier date.