asked the Minister for Justice the rates of pension payable to widows of members of the Garda Síochána who died prior to July 1968; and the basis on which such pensions are calculated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Widows' Pensions.
39.
In addition to the pension scheme which has been in operation over the years for widows of members of the Garda Síochána, an ex-gratia pension scheme was introduced last year for widows of members who either died while serving or retired before 23rd July, 1968.
The total pension varies according to individual circumstances but, generally speaking, these widows receive a pension of £260 a year. In addition, an ex-gratia pension is payable. This amounts to one-quarter of the pension her husband received or, if he died while serving, a quarter of the pension he would have received had he lived to normal retirement.
Both pensions will be increased with effect from 1st October next. The pension of £260 will be increased to £292 and the ex-gratia pension, which is now based on the levels of Garda pay on 1st June, 1969, will be related to the levels which applied on 1st January, 1972.