asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware of the position which has arisen concerning Army pensioners residing in Britain who find it almost impossible to cash pension warrants during the bank strike here; and if he will consider issuing money orders in these cases while the bank strike continues.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cashing of Army Pension Warrants.
42.
My Department has kept this matter under observation. Only a small number of requests has been received, which would suggest that the difficulty mentioned by the Deputy is not widespread. If, however, a facility such as the Deputy proposes were provided in any cases, it would be difficult to refuse it to all pensioners who requested it, and a great many probably would for their own convenience, once they knew that it was available. It must be remembered that pensioners living in Ireland, as well as those living abroad, have had to make alternative arrangements in the absence of bank facilities, and there are more than 23,000 pensioners on the Department's rolls. If, however, the strike were to continue the matter could perhaps be looked at again.
The Minister appreciates that it is more difficult for pensioners in Britain than it is for pensioners here?
I appreciate that, but nevertheless there are very few requests from Britain for this facility. If, however, the strike continues, I will have a look at the position.
Can the Minister state the number of recipients of Army pensions in Britain?
This does not apply to Army pensions only.
All pensioners?
All pensioners in receipt of pensions from the Department of Defence—1,500.
The Minister should be ashamed of himself.