andMr. J. Lynch asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that members of the Defence Forces do not get any Army allowance in respect of legally adopted children; and whether, in view of the fact that such children are now treated for all other purposes as natural children of the adoptors, he will amend the Defence Forces Regulations and take any other necessary steps to remedy the situation, with retrospective effect.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Allowances for Adopted Children.
I would refer the Deputies to the answer given by my predecessor, Deputy Traynor, to Deputy Hickey which stated "that the responsibility for the upbringing of such children is voluntarily assumed by the foster parents."
The question of paying allowances in respect of such adopted children is one which affects several branches of the public service. The amendment of Defence Forces Regulations must, accordingly, await a decision on the general principle involved.
As the Minister has stated, people other than members of the Defence Forces are affected by this. While the people concerned are allowed children's allowances in the ordinary way, I do not see why they should not be given the Army allowance. After all, the Legal Adoption Act gave adopted children the same rights as the natural children of the adoptors. If those people had the goodness of heart to adopt the children, I think they should be helped in every way.
As I pointed out to the Deputy, I am aware that it affects not only the Army but several other people and that is being examined by other Departments. As general policy is affected, the Army cannot come to a decision before anybody else, but the matter is being examined.
Can the Minister give any idea as to when a decision will be reached?
I cannot.