asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that there is grave dissatisfaction and discontent existing at present among non-commissioned officers and privates in the permanent Army because of the fact that they do not qualify for retiring gratuities as do the higher officer ranks, and, if so, if he will introduce a scheme of gratuities on similar terms for the lower ranks.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Retiring Gratuities.
I am aware that noncommissioned officers and privates feel that their conditions on discharge should be improved.
In order to correct any misapprehensions there may be about this matter, I should perhaps point out that only married officers get gratuities in addition to their retirement pensions. Single officers do not get gratuities with pensions. On the other hand, married soldiers discharged after 21 years' service get further pensions (known as married pensions) in addition to their ordinary service pensions.
I would like to be able to introduce a scheme which would give improved pension conditions to soldiers but I regret that in present circumstances I cannot do so. I am glad, however, to be able to announce that in future a soldier on discharge will be eligible for pre-discharge leave up to a maximum of 91 days — with full pay and allowances — instead of the present 21 days' leave. This concession will, I believe, prove of assistance to the soldier in making arrangements to return to civilian life.
In making arrangements to emigrate, you mean.