John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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514. To ask the Minister for Defence if a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny is entitled to a pension based on the service of their spouse; and if they are due any other financial support following the death of their spouse. [19140/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The contributory pension schemes for the widow(er)s and children of deceased military personnel are essentially the same as those applying elsewhere in the public service. Benefits under the schemes are additional to Widow(er)'s Contributory Pension that may be payable under the Social Welfare Acts in respect of deceased personnel by virtue of their social insurance (PRSI) contributions. Provision for the payment of pensions by my Department to the spouses and children of deceased Enlisted Personnel of the Permanent Defence Force was first made in 1978 when a Contributory Pension Scheme for those dependants was introduced. Personnel serving at the time were included as members of the scheme unless they made a positive option in writing not to become members. In 1985, Enlisted Personnel were given a second opportunity to make provision for their dependants when all those who had opted out of the original scheme in 1978 were invited to reconsider their decision and to join a revised scheme. The deceased spouse of the person in question therefore had two opportunities to join the scheme, but he opted not to do so. In the circumstances, I regret that the person in question is not eligible for a pension from my Department. However, she should contact the Department of Social Protection, as she may be entitled to a pension or other benefits from that Department.