asked the Minister for Defence the reason disability pensions earned by soldiers on active service with the United Nations peace-keeping activities and paid by the United Nations, are subject to deductions in the State where recipients are also in receipt of a retirement pension or sick benefit payment; the number of sick or retired soldiers affected by this arrangement; if he considers these deductions to be fair; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Army Pensions.
119.
Limerick West): Where a member of the Permanent Defence Force is injured in the course of his duty, whether at home or with a United Nations Force abroad, he may be granted a disability pension under the Army Pensions Acts, 1923 to 1980.
Where a person is granted both a service pension under the Defence Forces (Pensions) Schemes, 1937 to 1988, and a disability pension under the Army Pensions Acts, 1923 to 1980, the schemes provide that the service pension is reduced so that, in general, the total of both pensions will not exceed the sum of the greater pension plus one-half of the lesser. The disability pension is paid in full. The principle involved is not unique to Defence Forces' personnel but applies generally in other areas of the public service. There are 110 officers and 297 other ranks personnel affected by the operation of the provisions in question.