asked the Minister for Defence if, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Truce, he will consider substantially increasing the service pensions of the Old IRA members who are in receipt of such pensions.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Old IRA Pensions.
122.
Military service pensions have been increased on nine occasions in the last ten years. In accordance with the Budget Statement of the Minister for Finance, military service pensions will be further increased by 10.5 per cent from 1st October next, subject to a minimum rate of pension of £52.20 a year (£1 a week). An increase on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Truce is not contemplated.
Does the Minister see any prospect of having these pensions tax free, or would he use his influence to have that done?
That is a separate question. The question relates to an increase in pensions.
123.
andMr. Coogan asked the Minister for Defence if, with a view to avoiding delay in having claims determined, he will now arrange that forms of application be forwarded to those widows of IRA military service pensioners who will be eligible for an allowance from October next.
Details of the scheme to provide allowances for the widows of military service pensioners as announced in the Budget Statement of the Minister for Finance are at present under consideration. When the terms of the scheme are finally settled, application forms will be available for issue to the widows concerned.