asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that the existing scheme of pensions and allowances for the widows and dependent children of deceased members of the Garda Síochána was introduced over 20 years ago and has not since been revised; and whether, in view of the hardships inflicted on widows and children of deceased Gardaí, he will authorise immediate increases in the present pensions and allowances.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Siochána—Widows' Pensions.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given by me on the 30th October last to a question on similar lines tabled by Deputy Dillon.
The position has not altered since that date.
Would the Minister indicate whether any legislation is in contemplation at an early date by the Minister for Social Welfare in relation to this matter?
By the Minister for Social Welfare?
Would the Minister mind looking up the reply given in October? The Minister now wishes to repeat that. Might we have the substance of the reply given by him in October?
"I am aware of the position in this matter and it is the subject of discussion between my Department and the Department of Finance."
Arising out of the Minister's reply, I understood the Minister for Justice, subsequent to that reply in October, to indicate that this matter was being examined in connection with the Department of Social Welfare. Have there been any developments along that line apart from developments as a result of discussions between the Department of Finance and the Department of Justice.
Not that I am aware of.