Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 Feb 1997

Vol. 474 No. 5

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

96 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Defence if, following a recent debate in Dáil Éireann and correspondence to Deputy O'Rourke from the Government Chief Whip he will give full consideration to the army widows who have not received pensions and who can bring forward evidence that their individual cases mirror the circumstances of the cases which were given special consideration by a previous Minister for Defence some years ago; his views on whether a precedent was set by granting pension rights in those earlier cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3442/97]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

As the Deputy is aware, pension benefits were granted on an exceptional basis in the period February 1986 to December 1987 to five widows whose husbands did not exercise an option to join the revised contributory pension scheme for the spouses and children of deceased enlisted personnel of the Permanent Defence Force. Medical evidence was provided to indicate that each of the five personnel concerned was incapable of managing his own affairs during the option period in 1985. Any similar cases which are brought to my Department's attention will be considered on their merits in the light of the medical evidence provided.