Seán Ryan
Question:51 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the reason for a reduction of 50 per cent in the Army pension of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath.
Written Answers. - Army Pension.
The person in question is in receipt of both a service pension under the Defence Forces pensions schemes and a disability pension under the Army Pensions Acts.
The schemes provide that, where a person is granted both a service pension and a disability pension, 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, which is exempt from income tax, is paid in full. The principle involved is not unique to Defence Forces' personnel.
In the case in question the service pension is the lesser of the two pensions and, in accordance with the provisions mentioned, is reduced by half.