asked the Minister for Defence whether a married private, corporal or sergeant in the Defence Forces is provided with a gratuity after 21 years service; if this provision is available to single men of these ranks; and, if not, the estimated cost to the Exchequer of making it available to them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Gratuities.
57.
Under the Defence Forces (Pensions) Schemes, a gratuity is payable to a married non-commissioned officer or private who is discharged on pension. A gratuity is not payable in the case of single personnel. There are difficulties with regard to the grant of gratuities to single personnel but I am having the matter examined to see if there is any way in which these difficulties can be resolved. The cost of paying gratuities to single non-commissioned officers and privates on the same basis as their married counterparts is estimated at £6,000 per annum.