asked the Minister for Defence if he will review the special allowances paid to old IRA men with the view of bringing them up to a realistic level in view of rising costs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old I.R.A. Allowances.
7.
The context in which special allowances under the Army Pensions Acts are reviewed is the annual budget.
In view of the fact that this very depressed section of men are finding it almost impossible to exist on the amounts made available at the moment because of illnesses and ailments suffered as a result of service, and in view of the ever-increasing taxes which erode the amounts made available, would the Minister consider the special situation which now exists because they require additional treatment to that which they would normally require due to their age?
Special allowances have been increased 14 times in the past 15 years. The only year they were not increased was in 1966. They were increased by £16 on 1st July, 1974, and by £56 as from 1st July, 1975.
The service these men gave cannot be measured in terms of £.s.d. Will the Minister ensure that a realistic figure is fixed to ensure that they are able to adapt themselves to the present situation?
The Deputy can wait until the budget speech tomorrow.