asked the Minister for defence if the gratuity payable to Army personnel is based on the basic pay or full pay whilst they were serving members.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Gratuity.
79.
The gratuities which it is proposed to pay to married long-service soldiers discharged on pension on or after the 1st June, 1969, will be based on the married rates of pay which are also being introduced as from that date and which will incorporate regimental pay, wife's allowance and ration allowance.
I do not think the Minister answered my question. Is it based on basic pay?
It is based on the total rate.
That does not answer my question and the Minister knows this very well. Some of the people in the Minister's constituency are asking him and asking me about this. Will he say now how this is decided?
It includes the allowances too.
Is it the basic pay or the full pay?
The full pay.
Does the Minister consider that the date fixed, 1st June, is a fair date in view of the fact that so many people have been forced to retire over the past few years without getting anything at all?
We consider it is a fair date.
You must be very reasonable men.
Highly.