Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 24 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 6

Written Answers. - Pension Benefits.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

100 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Defence the number of Army widows-dependants who were granted pension benefits since 1985 on foot of medical evidence showing the incapacity of the soldier-pensioner to manage his own affairs during the option period; the dates on which these exceptions were granted; if this initiative was taken by him-his Department or by a widow; if all other excluded widows were informed at that time to review their own cases to see if these conditions might apply in their cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19674/96]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

The exceptional arrangement referred to by the Deputy applied only where the soldier-pensioner had not exercised the option of joining the 1985 revised contributory scheme. Departmental records indicate that pension benefits were granted under the arrangement mentioned to five widows, involving four children, in the period from February 1986 to December 1987. In these cases the initiative was taken by the widow and medical evidence was furnished to show that her late husband was incapable of managing his own affairs during the option period. The Department did not issue any communication regarding these exceptional cases to other widows.