Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 June 2022
178. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence his plans to address the administrative costs relating to the pensions of veterans who live abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35098/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Army Pensions Vote (Vote 35) provides for retired pay, pensions, compensation, allowances and gratuities payable in respect of members of the Defence Forces and certain other military organisations, etc.
All benefits are governed by the relevant rules, terms and conditions made pursuant to the Defence Forces Pensions Acts 1932 to 2004, the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012, the Army Pensions Acts 1923 to 1980 (as amended) and other relevant provisions, agreements, arrangements, circulars and/or other instruments, which together comprise the schemes, and are also subject to any other relevant legislation and to public service pensions policy.
All military pensioners are paid electronically. For those who are living outside the State their pensions are generally paid electronically into financial accounts within this State or within the Single European Payments Area (SEPA). For some who are living outside SEPA, their pensions are paid individually through a Citibank foreign payments facility. The pension recipient bears the monthly cost of this Citibank facility. The payments are made in Euro and all foreign bank charges and foreign exchange risks are borne by the recipients. All obligations regarding the payment of pensions are considered discharged once the payment has been lodged to the relevant account.
