asked the Minister for Defence if he will introduce a system of gratuities on retirement for unmarried officers and men similar to those available to their married colleagues.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Gratuities.
34.
Under the Defence Forces (Pensions) Scheme unmarried officers receive a higher percentage of their pay by way of retired pay than married officers do, and unmarried non-commissioned officers and privates receive the same basic pension as their married counterparts do, even though their pay is lower. This gives rise to difficulties with regard to the grant of gratuities in addition. I am, however, having the matter examined to see if there is any way in which these difficulties can be resolved.
Would the Minister expedite the examination because it is a cause of discontent and I understand the number of single men retiring is very small.
The matter is under review.