asked the Minister for Defence if he proposes to pay pensions to the widows of non-commissioned officers and privates of the Defence Forces.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Widows' Pensions.
7.
The matter referred to by the Deputy is still under examination. I am not in a position to indicate when a decision will be reached.
Is the Minister aware that he informed me by letter that changes in the scheme are not proposed at present?
I am not prepared to indicate to the Deputy the exact wording of any letter I sign. I sign about 300 to 400 letters per week.
The Minister has informed the House——
The Deputy may not quote at Question Time.
I can give the date——
It is not in order to refer to a brief or to quotations at Question Time.
I do not intend to, except to ask the Minister if he is aware that on 7th March he informed me he had such a scheme in mind and that on 20th May he sent me a letter in which he stated he did not have such a scheme in mind. I would ask the Minister to make up his mind.
I will look at the correspondence but I have no recollection of the matter at the moment. As I have told the Deputy, I sign between 300 and 400 letters a week and I cannot be expected to remember the content of each letter.
It would help if the Minister would read the letters before he signs them.
I do read the letters.
This correspondence has been going on for 12 months.
Will the Deputy please allow Question Time to continue in an orderly way?
The widows' association have been concerned at the delay in this matter.
The Deputy is looking for votes on the heads of the widows.
I am calling Question No. 8.