asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the weekly amount of the allowance payable to Mrs. Kate Brady, Wilkinstown, Navan, under the Army Pensions Acts in respect of her only son who was executed; the reason for the cessation of payment and the basis of the assessment of her means.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Pensions Allowance.
Mrs. Kate Brady, Wilkinstown, Navan, was in receipt of a dependent's allowance at the annual rate of £13 2s. 6d. in respect of her deceased son, Terence. Payment of the allowance was terminated with effect from the 7th January, 1949, on the grounds that her yearly means exceed the sum of £40. As from that date, the old age pension payable to Mrs. Brady was increased from 10/- to 17/6 a week, that is, by £19 11s. 1d. per annum. This brought her yearly means beyond the sum of £40, and consequently the dependent's allowance formerly payable to her had to be stopped as from that date, in compliance with Section 37 of the Army Pensions Act, 1937.
Can the Minister say if, in any legislation which he can bring before the House, he will have the means at £40 raised, so as to bring that legislation into line with the means test under the Old Age Pensions Acts?
I can assure the Deputy that that particular point and allied or associated questions are under review, but I cannot say what the outcome of the review will be.