asked the Minister for Defence if he will state whether, in view of the substantial increase in the cost of living, he will take immediate steps to increase the amount of the special allowances granted to I.R.A. men and former members of Cumann na mBan under the Army Pensions Acts, as these recipients, who have been proved to be incapable of self-support, are unable to provide food, clothing, footwear, rent and fuel out of their present inadequate allowances and are suffering great hardship at the present time.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Increased Pensions.
The Minister does not propose to introduce legislation with a view to increasing the rates payable in respect of special allowances granted under the Army Pensions Acts.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the I.R.A. pensioners are the only people who did not get an increase? Is he aware that the particular class referred to in this question have to be proved incapable of self-support before they are given anything and is he further aware that every other pensioner has received an increase within the past three years— all the pensioners except these men? Is that the respect the Government have for the men who made this State?
The Deputy's question referred to the special allowance. There has been an increase in disability pensions.
There has been no increase in the allowance for the I.R.A. pensioners, and the Parliamentary Secretary is well aware of that.