Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 June 2025
73. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if consideration is being given to amending the Army Pensions Acts 1923 to 1980 following the case of a person (details supplied) who has been refused an Army pension following the death of their son in Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31240/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Army Pensions Acts 1923-1980 constitute a military occupational injuries code which operates separately from, but in addition to, the Defence Forces retirement benefit superannuation provisions.
The Acts primarily provide for disability pensions, and other allowances and gratuities, and they further allow for the award of a Dependent’s Allowance to the widow, children and other dependants of any member of the Defence Forces killed in the course of duty.
Regarding the specific case you refer to, the issue relates to a request to transfer a dependant’s allowance previously awarded to a dependant.
The Department of Defence treats any case involving a deceased soldier with the utmost sensitivity.
In this specific case, under the current law, the Army Pensions Acts 1923-1980, there is no provision to transfer a Dependants Allowance to another person, at any stage.
My Secretary General will this week raise this case with her colleagues in the Department of Social Protection to see what other supports may be available to the person in question.
Like all families of deceased soldiers, we will do all we can to support them.
