Vol. 481 No. 1
93 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if a pension has been awarded to any widows of civilian employees within the Defence Forces in spite of the fact that their husbands opted out of the contributory widows and children scheme of 1978 and 1985; the number of such pensions awarded; the criteria used in assessing these cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15305/97]
No pension has beeen awarded to the widow of any deceased civilian employee pensioner who is recorded in the Department's records as opting out from both contributory schemes referred to.
94 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if pensions were awarded by his Department to the widows of former military personnel, in spite of the fact that their husbands had opted out of the widows and children contributory pension scheme first introduced in 1978 and again in 1985; the number of such widows; the criteria used in deciding that those widows should be awarded pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15306/97]
Pensions have not been granted in the circumstances outlined in the question.
