asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that recent increases in national health insurance payments are taken into consideration for the purpose of assessing means of recipients of special allowances under the Army Pensions Acts thereby reducing such allowances and, if so, if he will have the matter examined.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Pensions Acts Allowances.
Mr. O'Higgins
I am aware of the position as stated by the Deputy. In calculating means for the purposes of Special Allowance under the Army Pensions Acts, only one half of national health benefit where payable is included in the assessment. This has at all times been the normal practice.