Vol. 458 No. 5
206 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the plight of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 whose husband died six weeks ago and whose pension died with him; the steps, if any, he intends taking to remedy this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17141/95]
The person in question is not eligible for a spouse's pension from my Department because her late husband was not a member of the spouses' and children's contributory pension scheme for soldiers. He opted out of membership of the scheme on its introduction in 1978 and, when given a second opportunity to join a revised scheme in 1985, he again chose not to do so. I understand that the person is qualified for a survivor's contributory pension under the Social Welfare Acts.
