asked the Minister for Defence if it is proposed to increase the pensions of ex-Army personnel, including widows of officers, NCOs and men; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pensions of Ex-Army Personnel.
96.
Retired pay, pensions and gratuities which become payable under the Defence Forces (Pensions) Schemes to officers, non-commissioned officers and men whose service in na Buan Óglaigh terminates on and after 1st February, 1964, are being increased in proportion to the improvements in service pay which became effective from that date. The necessary amendment of the Defence Forces (Pensions) Schemes is in course of preparation.
Retired pay and pensions granted to officers, non-commissioned officers and men whose service terminated before 1st February, 1964, and pensions granted to the widows and children of deceased officers will be subject to increases at the rate and to the extent applicable to any pension increases which may be granted in the future to State pensioners generally, details of which are normally announced in the Budget Statements of An tAire Airgeadais.
Non-commissioned officers and men are insured under the Social Welfare Acts for contributory widows pension purposes and their widows and children do not, therefore, come within the pension provisions of the Defence Forces (Pensions) Schemes.