Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Feb 1997

Vol. 475 No. 4

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Pensions.

Willie O'Dea

Question:

276 Mr. O'Dea asked the Minister for Defence his views on whether an anomaly exists in the Army Pensions Act whereby a member of the Permanent Defence Forces who is discharged as a result of permanent disablement due to a wound or injury sustained at home or abroad may be entitled to a disability pension and also be entitled to a disability pension if he or she becomes permanently disabled due to a disease attributable to overseas service; his views on whether the legislation needs to enable any personnel to apply for a disability pension if permanently incapacitated due to a disease contracted while serving at home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4883/97]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

The Army Pensions Acts provide that a disability pension may, following retirement, be granted to a former member of the Permanent Defence Force in respect of permanent disablement due to a wound or injury attributable to military service whether at home or abroad or to a disease attributable to or aggravated by overseas service with a United Nations force. In the past, disability pensions were granted in respect of permanent disablement due to disease attributable to service during the 1922-24 period and the Emergency period from 1939-45. Conditions during these periods were regarded as exceptional and it is not considered that there are any grounds at present for amending the Army Pensions Acts along the lines suggested in the question.

Retired soldiers are eligible for benefits such as disability benefit and invalidity pension under the Social Welfare Acts subject to the usual conditions.