Vol. 528 No. 1
118 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has made a final decision in relation to the payment of the military service allowance, MSA, to those military personnel who retired prior to 1990 in view of the small number involved, which is now less than 5,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29381/00]
120 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Defence the progress in relation to the granting of the military service allowance to those involved and who would qualify prior to 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29619/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 120 together.
These questions refer to the issue of having military service allowance included in the calculation of pensions of Defence Forces' personnel who retired before 1 August 1990. As I have previously indicated to the House, this issue will be further considered in the light of the final report of the Commission on Public Service Pensions and of any relevant Government decisions thereon. I am advised that the Minister for Finance hopes to be in a position to publish the commission's final report shortly.
