asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons in receipt of the Defence Forces disability pension; if he proposes to increase the pension in line with the consumer price index in view of the fact that there has not been any increase since October 1978.
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Disability Pensions.
451.
The number of former members of the Defence Forces who are currently in receipt of disability pensions, including wound pensions, is 671.
It has become the practice to increase these pensions with effect from July each year, in line with the level of increases granted in public service pensions generally. The increases due from 1 July 1979 range form 19.9 per cent to 21.8 per cent. Portion of these increases has already been paid and the balance, including arrears, will be paid as soon as possible.