asked the Minister for Finance when the first ex gratia payments will be made to the widows of public servants in accordance with his Budget statement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Widows of Public Servants.
197.
It was indicated in the Budget statement that it would take some time to set up the administrative machinery to implement the scheme of ex gratia pensions for widows of certain pensionable public servants.
A very large number of applications has been received and these are at present being processed. In cases where death occurred many years ago considerable research is needed to ascertain full details of the husband's service, rank and pay. Also, where retirement or death took place before 1st February, 1964, the salary the husband would have had if his service had ended on that date has to be determined so as to give the widow concerned the benefit of the pensions increases announced in the Budget.
At this stage it is not possible to say when the first payments under the scheme will be made but if the Deputy repeats the question in a few weeks it is hoped to be able to furnish the information required.