Brendan Kenneally
Question:227 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has to make the old IRA pension available to widows without a means test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3624/95]
Written Answers - Old IRA Widows' Pension.
Widows of deceased veterans of the War of Independence, who held a special allowance under the Army Pensions Acts, qualify for the payment of an allowance without the application of a means test at the rate of £782 per annum. Arrangements were introduced in 1982 which provide for the grant of an allowance at the same rate to the widow of a veteran who was not at any time in receipt of a special allowance, provided that the yearly means of the widow do not equal or exceed the sum prescribed for the award of a special allowance.
The special allowance is intended as a measure of support for veterans and their widows who are not in a position to support themselves. The means test has been relaxed over the years and is now far from severe. The means test is essential to ensure that the maximum benefits are granted to those veterans and their widows with the least assessable means.
Widows of veterans, who held a military service pension, qualify for the grant of an allowance equal to a maximum of one half of the annual rate of pension which was payable and the allowance is not subject to a means test.