asked the Minister for Defence if he will urgently review the regulations covering the spouses and children's contributory pensions scheme and the long service pension scheme of members of the Defence Forces, in view of the anomalies that can arise to the disadvantage of dependants and long serving members; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Defence Forces' Pension Scheme.
33.
The contributory spouses' and children's pension schemes for members of the Permanent Defence Force are based on similar schemes which apply in other areas of the public service. I am not aware of any anomalies in the case of dependants as suggested in the question.
Under the Defence Forces pensions schemes, the minimum service required by an NCO or private to qualify for a pension and gratuity is 21 years and maximum pension is payable after 31 years' service — regardless of age in either case. These arrangements are not paralleled in any other area of the public service.