asked the Minister for Defence whether he is now in a position to state when he will introduce a scheme to provide gratuities and increased pensions for N.C.O.s and men with 21 years' service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - N.C.O.s Pensions and Gratuities.
As I indicated to the Deputy in reply to a similar question some time ago, I have a new pensions scheme for personnel of the Permanent Defence Force under consideration.
I regret that I am not in a position to say when that scheme will come into operation or what its terms will be.
The Minister will recall telling me last July that he hoped to issue the scheme at an early date. Am I to take it that there is no such thing as an early date and that the matter has been put on the long finger?
It is not on the long finger but it is still under consideration.