Patrick McCartan
Question:33 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties faced by ex-members of the Defence Forces whose increments payable under the Defence Forces (Pensions) Scheme are ended when they become entitled to a social welfare retirement pension, as this can result in a reduction of up to £114 per month in the income of the personnel concerned; if, in view of the very long service of many of those involved, he considers it appropriate that their incomes should be so severely cut at a time when financial pressures are often at their greatest; and if he will make a statement on the matter.