asked the Minister for Defence if, in order to bring their pensions up to their original purchasing power as when first granted, he has considered the making of provision for an increase in the pensions of ex-N.C.O.s and men of the Regular Army discharged on pension during the years 1945-1952 under the Defence Forces (Pensions) Schemes, 1937 to 1949, and if he will state if the increases will be paid at an early date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Pensions.
Mr. A. Byrne
The rates of pension for non-commissioned officers and men which operated up to the 1st September, 1946, were increased as from the 2nd September, 1946, by the Defence Forces (Pensions) (Amendment) Scheme, 1947, in the cases of non-commissioned officers and men discharged on or after the 2nd September, 1946. Subsequently, by the Defence Forces (Pensions) (Amendment) (No. 2) Scheme, 1949, the increases in question were also applied to non-commissioned officers and men who had been discharged prior to the 22nd September, 1946.
Further pension increases, based on pay increases which have taken place since the 1st September, 1949, are proposed for non-commissioned officers and men discharged since that date and will be provided for in an amending scheme which I hope to lay before the House soon. The question of granting further increases to personnel discharged before the 1st September, 1949, based on increases in the cost of living or on currency depreciation, is, however, one that cannot be considered separately. It can only be dealt with in conjunction with any question of increases for similarly circumstanced State pensioners generally.
Mr. Byrne
The Minister must be aware that pensions fixed five and tenyears ago have lost all purchasing power to meet the present cost of living. He ought to do something for these people.