asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware of the hardships suffered by persons in receipt of small disability pensions under the Military Service Pensions Acts by reason of the fact that such persons are paid monthly; and whether he is now in a position to arrange to pay such pensions weekly in future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Military Service Pensions.
It has been represented to me that married men with families suffer hardship by reason of the fact that disability pensions are paid monthly instead of weekly or fortnightly. As I have informed a Deputy in the House on a previous occasion, the question of the adoption in principle of weekly instead of monthly payment of pensions awarded under the Army Pensions Acts, the Military Service Pensions Acts, and the Defence Forces (Pensions) Scheme is under consideration.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary give any indication when a decision will be reached in this matter? I understand it has been under consideration for a considerable time.
As soon as possible.
asked the Minister for Defence if he will state whether non-commissioned officers and men of the regular Army, who retired on pension prior to 1st September, 1946, will become entitled to receive increased pensions in the same way and to the same extent as those who retired after that date; and if not, whether he will state what additions to the pension will be made in such cases.
It is not proposed to increase the rates of pension payable to non-commissioned officers and men discharged from the forces prior to 1st September, 1946.