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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Nov 1994

Vol. 447 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Army Pension.

Bernard Allen

Question:

212 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence the reason a person (details supplied) in Cork did not receive an army pension. [3471/94]

Provision for the payment of pensions by the Department of Defence to the widows and children of deceased soldiers was first made in 1978 when a contributory pension scheme for such dependants was introduced. Soldiers serving at the time were included as members of the scheme unless they made a positive option in writing not to become members. A second opportunity to make provision for their dependants was granted in 1985 when all soldiers, as well as pensioners, who had opted out of the contributory scheme in 1978 were invited to reconsider their decision and to join the scheme.

The late husband of the person in question was a serving soldier in 1978 and opted in writing not to become a member of the contributory scheme. In 1985 as a pensioner he did not avail of a second opportunity to become a member of the scheme. In the circumstances, I regret that the person in question is not eligible for a pension from this Department.

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