asked the Minister for Defence if in view of the low rate of pensions payable to widows of officers under the 1937 Army Pensions Scheme he will consider, in consultation with the Army authorities, seeking the agreement of the Minister for Finance to revise the scheme so as to increase these pensions in order to meet present-day needs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Pensions Scheme.
71.
The pensions referred to by the Deputy have been increased each year during the past five years and they are being further increased by 28 per cent this year in accordance with the recent budget.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that a very small number of the widows of officers in receipt of pensions under the 1937 Army Pensions Scheme, as unamended, received very low pensions? I am sure the Minister is aware that the Military Service Pensions Schemes in respect of other categories have been revised but there is a very small number who have initially very low pensions. As the Parliamentary Secretary remarked, while they have received the increases granted, would he consider, in consultation with the Army authorities, revising the scheme so as to bring them into line with a similar pensions scheme in respect of Garda widows?
Yes, I certainly will bring the Deputy's point of view to the attention of the Minister for Defence because I think there is substance in what he has said.