I am curious about the figure of £185. Perhaps the Minister will say how it was assessed.
Army Pensions Bill, 1980: Committee and Final Stages.
Section 1 agreed to.
SECTION 2.
Question proposed: "That section 2 stand part of the Bill."
It is slightly less than what is paid to the widow holding a service pension.
The allowance could be adjusted upwards.
Question put and agreed to.
SECTION 3.
Question proposed: "That section 3 stand part of the Bill."
Unless there is some good reason, the provisions appear a bit niggardly to me. We are talking here about a widow who remarries and overpayment or special allowance which may be made to the widow's former husband may be deducted from any allowance payable to the widow "under section 2 of this Act". We are being unduly niggardly in bringing that disqualification clause into the Bill.
It arises very rarely that there would have to be a repayment because usually there is sufficient money due to the estate. It is necessary because the new allowance flows from the fact that a special allowance was payable. We have to regularise any overpayments before the new allowance is issued.
I accept that but when the Minister comes to act under section 7 with the Minister for the Public Service they might well consider the deletion of such a section.
Question put and agreed to.
Section 4 agreed to.
SECTION 5.
Question proposed: "That section 5 stand part of the Bill."
The case was raised earlier this morning by Senator Cooney of the situation where a soldier contracts some disease or illness attributable to service in the Army. Will the Minister consider changing this to disease and illness? He has answered already the question about the four years, but the question of illness or disease remains.
As I mentioned a moment ago, disease pensions for former members of the Defence Forces are payable in respect of disease attributable to the emergency period or service with the United Nations. That covers it. While the provision relates to pensions payable to personnel themselves, if the degree of disablement is 50 per cent or more then the widow automatically gets an allowance and she gets an allowance for the children as well.
In the case of an accident other than an accident from bullet wounds, if a soldier while on service is involved in some type of car accident and if he is killed, how is the widow provided for under this Bill?
We will be as reasonable as possible in these matters. The soldier on duty is covered.
Question put and agreed to.
Sections 6 to 9, inclusive, agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill reported without amendment, received for final consideration and passed.