asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that retirement gratuities for officers can consist of 78 weeks pay while for other ranks they cannot exceed 31 weeks pay; and if he will take steps to end this discrimination.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Retirement Gratuities.
24.
In addition to a pension and gratuity, a married non-commissioned officer or private gets an additional married pension, the present rate of which is £119.28 per annum. A married officer receives only retired pay and gratuity. I regret, therefore, that I cannot undertake that service in excess of 31 years will be taken into account for gratuity purposes in the case of non-commissioned officers and privates.