Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2014
578. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence in the case of a soldier being discharged from the the Army on medical grounds relating to their mental health, if they are then entitled to an Army medical pension; and if so, the entitlements for which they are eligible. [29744/14]
View answerThe question of retirement or discharge of a member of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) on medical grounds is governed by Defence Forces Regulations. As regards medical pensions, there are two separate pension codes applicable to Defence Forces personnel. Retirement pension terms for PDF personnel are governed by the Defence Forces Superannuation Schemes. These Schemes contain provisions for payment of immediate benefits in the case of retirement or discharge on medical grounds, regardless of whether the medical condition is service related. Entitlements vary as they are subject to minimum qualifying service and are based on various factors, which include: date of joining the Defence Forces, pensionable pay, retiring rank and period of pensionable service.
For example, an NCO or Private recruited prior to April 2004 must ordinarily have at least 21 years' service to qualify for immediate pension and lump sum. However where the person is discharged on medical grounds and has 12 or more years service but less than 21 years, they qualify for a retirement pension and lump sum based on a proportion of 21 year benefits. For those recruited since 1 April 2004 and before 1 January 2013, an immediate pension and gratuity is payable on medical discharge provided the person has five or more years of reckonable service. For those recruited on or after 1 January 2013, an immediate pension and gratuity is payable on medical discharge, once the person has a minimum of two years of reckonable service.
In addition to benefits under the Defence Forces Superannuation Schemes, the Army Pensions Acts provide for the grant of a pension or a gratuity to former members of the PDF in respect of permanent disablement due to a wound or injury attributable to military service (whether at home or abroad), or due to disease attributable to or aggravated by overseas service with the United Nations. The rate of disability pension or gratuity awarded depends on the degree of disablement attributable to military service, as assessed by the Army Pensions Board. The Board is the independent statutory body established under the Acts to investigate and adjudicate on applications under the Acts and to report to the Minister thereon.
It should be emphasised that retirement or discharge from the PDF on medical grounds does not give an automatic entitlement to a disability pension. Also, it should be noted that where eligible for both a disability pension and retirement pension, the Defence Forces Superannuation Schemes provide that the combination of both pensions is subject to an overall limit.
PDF personnel who wish to receive an estimate of their entitlements under the Defence Forces Superannuation Schemes, or who want information on disability benefits under the Army Pensions Acts and the procedures for applying for same, may contact the Pensions Administration Section of the Department of Defence. Information on retirement and disability pension terms is also available to military personnel on the Defences Forces intranet and from Barrack Personnel Support Services (PSS) at local level.
The Personnel Support Service (PSS) is a confidential information, education, support and referral service for Defence Forces personnel. There is a PSS office in every major installation in the Defence Forces. In addition, each Brigade/Formation has a civilian Defence Forces Social Worker whose tasks are to provide assistance and support to service personnel and their families where required.
Finally, former PDF personnel are covered for the full range of benefits under the Social Welfare Acts, including jobseekers benefit, illness benefit and invalidity pension. They are also covered for hospital and medical services under the Health Acts on the same basis as other members of the community.
