asked the Minister for Defence if he will now take steps to modify the means tests in relation to special allowances under the Army Pensions Acts in order to relieve the difficulties of many elderly citizens.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Pensions Acts.
332.
The position of special allowance holders is kept under constant review, as is evidenced by the fact that the "appropriate annual sums" have been increased eight times in the last nine years and that over the same period the budgetary increases in social welfare and other benefits have been entirely or substantially disregarded. In particular, increases in old age pensions have been entirely disregarded.
333.
asked the Minister for Defence the names of those persons in County Donegal who are in receipt of old IRA pensions under (a) the 1924 Acts, (b) the 1934 Acts, (c) special allowances and (d) any other allowance pertaining to national service giving the amount in each case.
The information is being compiled in accordance with the normal practice and will be forwarded to the Deputy.
334.
asked the Minister for Defence if he will introduce a new scheme of pensions for the widows of members of the Defence Forces of all ranks; and if he will ensure that such pensions are sufficient to enable widows to live and to provide for their dependants without undue hardship.
Provision already exists in the Defence Forces (Pensions) Schemes for pensions to the widows and children of officers of the permanent Defence Force. Non-commissioned officers and privates are insured under the Social Welfare Acts, and their widows and children are eligible for contributory pensions under these Acts. In addition, the Army Pensions Acts provide for the grant of allowances to the widows and children of officers and men whose death is due to wound or, in certain cases, disease attributable to service. The rates of widows' and children's pensions and allowances under both the Defence Forces (Pensions) Schemes and the Army Pensions Acts have been increased eight times in the last nine years, the most recent increase being 10 per cent with effect from the 1st August, 1969.