Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Dec 1978

Vol. 310 No. 7

Vote 47: Army Pensions.

Minister for Defence (Mr. Molloy)

I move:

That a supplementary sum not exceeding £800,000 be granted to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of December, 1978 for retired pay, pensions, compensation, allowances and gratuities payable under sundry statutes to or in respect of members of the Defence Forces and certain other Military Organisations, etc., and for sundry contributions and expenses in connection therewith; for certain extra-statutory children's allowances and for sundry grants.

Mr. Hegarty

I should like to mention the situation whereby in respect of these allowances there is no consideration for widows of those who were in receipt of Old IRA allowances. Regarding the allowances there are not very many of these veterans remaining so perhaps, in conjunction with the Minister for Finance, some arrangement could be reached whereby the allowances could be tax-free.

A matter that is causing much concern to Navy personnel is an alteration in the system of allowances for members of the Defence Forces. The old allowance in respect of sea-going people was about £5 while the duty allowance was £1.50.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Unless I am mistaken the Estimate deals solely with pensions and allowances.

Mr. Hegarty

I have written to the Minister about this matter and I should like him to investigate it because there is a worsening of the position of people who may be unlucky enough not to be at sea.

Minister for Defence (Mr. Molloy)

The point made by the Deputy has been made on a number of occasions previously with regard to special allowances. It is important to emphasise that what is involved is an allowance and not an Old IRA pension and that it is paid solely on the basis of a means test. It terminates with the death of the recipient. It has been suggested in the past that there should be some payment to widows of those who have been in receipt of those allowances. Of course this is a matter that is considered prior to the budget decisions. The Minister for Finance of the day and the Government are always anxious at budget time to try to improve in some way the lot of those who gave such loyal service during the War of Independence and in the setting up of this State.

Down through the years there has been an improvement at budget time in existing schemes and from time to time some new scheme or the extension of an existing scheme has been introduced. However, the suggestion made by the Deputy will be borne in mind and we shall see whether it will be possible to do anything on those lines. I am anxious to ensure that whatever benefits are provided for Old IRA men or their dependants will go principally to those in greatest need and that involves a means test system.

Vote put and agreed to.