Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:157 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence if he will have arrangements made to have an army pension for widows paid to the widow (details supplied) of a deceased member of the National Army. [11070/97]
Written Answers. - Army Pensions.
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 spouse's 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.