Vol. 477 No. 5
340 Mr. Lenihan asked the Minister for Defence the number of applicants waiting to have their applications for army disability pensions processed; the length of time this takes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9663/97]
Some 178 applications for disability pensions under the Army Pensions Acts are at present being processed by my Department in consultation with the Army Pensions Board. The board is a statutory body appointed to adjudicate on applications for disability pensions in respect of service in the Defence Forces. The processing time for disability pension applications varies considerably in individual cases depending on a number of factors such as the nature of the disablement claimed for, the circumstances giving rise to the applicant's disablement, the availability of witness statements and whether the board has to consult outside medical specialists. Every effort is made to deal with each claim as quickly as possible.
