asked the Minister for Defence if in connection with the notification sent to retired Army personnel revising the rate of pension payable in certain cases as from the 1st August 1965, he will state the circumstances in which these personnel have been so notified of the revised rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pensions of Retired Army Personnel.
19.
Through a misinterpretation in my Department of the relevant authority governing the 1965 Budgetary increases in pensions, members of the Defence Forces who retired or were discharged between February and November, 1961, were granted, with effect from 1st August, 1965, increases in their retired pay or pensions in excess of those to which they were entitled. Each person has been notified of the position and has been informed of the arrangements for recovery of the resultant overpayment. Recovery is being spread over periods of up to 12 months. I wish to express to all concerned my deep regret for the inconvenience caused.
Could the Minister say how this mistake occurred and if any penalties are involved for those responsible for making the mistake? The mistake is causing a certain amount of hardship to those concerned. They made their arrangements on the basis of the pensions originally notified.
These particular people got an addition of pay over and above the seventh round before retirement. The same thing applied to some members of the Garda. They should have got an increase of 14½ per cent had they not got the increase in pay over and above the seventh round. The increase should have been at nine per cent only. The official concerned misinterpreted the authority.