asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider introducing legislation to make provision for payment of an allowance to widows of persons who were in receipt of pensions under the Defence Forces (Pensions) Schemes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Defence Forces' Pensions Scheme.
38.
Provision already exists in the Defence Forces (Pensions) Schemes for the payment of pensions to the widows of retired officers of the permanent Defence Force who die while in receipt of retired pay. Non-commissioned officers and privates are insured under the Social Welfare Acts during their Army service and the widows of any such personnel who die while in receipt of pensions under the Defence Forces (Pensions) Schemes are eligible for contributory widows' pensions under those Acts. It is not proposed to amend the schemes on the lines suggested by the Deputy.