asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the number of claims for disability pensions awaiting decision on appeal for six months or over and the cause of the delay in dealing with such deserving applicants; further, whether he is aware that a high percentage of the applicants and their dependents are trying to exist on national health insurance allowances; and, if so, whether he will take the necessary steps to expedite decisions in all such cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Disability Pensions.
There were six claims for disability pensions awaiting decision on appeal for six months or over. The delay was due to certain legal difficulties which have now been resolved, so that the awards will issue at an early date.
asked the Minister for Defence if he will state when he will be in a position to introduce a permanent disability pension scheme for officers and men of the Regular Army.
There is permanent provision in the Army Pensions Acts for the grant of pensions in respect of wounds or injuries received in circumstances attributable to service in the Defence Forces.
There is also permanent provision for the grant of disability pensions in respect of disease contracted in circumstances attributable to Army service during the emergency period, viz. from 3rd September, 1939, to 2nd September, 1946. There is, however, no such provision in respect of the period 1st October, 1924 to the commencement of the emergency period, viz. 3rd September, 1939, or in respect of the period subsequent to the 2nd September, 1946.
I am giving consideration to the possibility of amending the Army Pensions Acts in this respect but no final decision has yet been reached.
May I take it that the Minister is contemplating making a firm Act which will give members of the permanent Army disability pensions should they become disabled during their service in the Army?
I stated that I am having the position examined.
Thanks.