asked the Minister for Defence if any action has been decided upon in regard to the claim that the N.C.Os. and men of the Regular Army who completed 23 years' pensionable service during the period 1922 to 1946 inclusive and were discharged prior to 2nd September, 1946, on pension under the 1937 Pensions Act, be included in the award of increased pension granted under the 1947 Pensions Amendment Act to N.C.Os. and men who completed 21 to 23 years' pensionable service during the period 1922 to 1946 and were discharged on pensions subsequent to September 2nd, 1946; and if so whether he intends to introduce proposals for legislation to remove the injustice done to those who retired prior to 2nd September, 1946.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Pensions.
Mr. Byrne
The case of the pensioners referred to by the Deputy is still under consideration but I am not yet in a position to state when a decision will be reached in the matter.
The Minister will realise that this reply has been given for over a year now. Is there any likelihood that there will be a decision, say, within the next three months?
I do not agree that this reply has been coming in for a year. A somewhat similar reply was given last June. Following that, an opportunity was given to the representatives of the persons interested to put their cases verbally and directly within the Department. That particular conference took place only within the last three weeks and the result is that the matter is under consideration and the decision will be given later in the year.
Major de Valera
Can the Minister say how many personnel are involved? This matter, I think, was raised two years ago, for the first time, on the Estimate. I appreciate that the Minister may not have the figures at hand.
I may be completely wrong in the figure I am giving to the Deputy, but my recollection is that it is something in the nineties.
Mr. de Valera
It would, therefore, not be very expensive.