asked the Minister for Justice if the widow of a garda killed in the course of duty receives a smaller pension than the widow of a soldier killed on duty; if so, whether he proposes any change in this respect; and, if not, why.
Written Answers. - Garda Widows' Pensions.
277.
If the reference to a "smaller pension" means a smaller proportion of the husband's pay, the answer to the first part of the Question is yes. However, this statement by itself would be misleading without taking account of the relevant provisions of the Garda Síochána Compensation Acts and the Army Pensions Acts, which relate to the payment of compensation as distinct from pension.
As regards possible changes in the Garda Pensions Scheme, the position is that matters relating to changes in the scheme fall to be dealt with under the Garda Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme, and it would be inappropriate for me to comment in the matter outside that context.