I move:—

That the Dáil hereby approves of the Royal Irish Constabulary (Resigned and Dismissed) Pensions Order, 1949, made on the 4th day of November, 1949, by the Minister for Finance under the Superannuation and Pensions Acts, 1923 and 1929, and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on the 8th day of November, 1949.

The purpose of this Order is to increase pensions awarded to widows of the resigned and dismissed members of the Royal Irish Constabulary, with effect from 1st April, 1949. The increase that is being given is in accordance with the scale adopted under the measure that has just been discussed—the Pensions (Increase) Bill, 1949. I am making the provision in this case by Order instead of in the Bill itself, because it is desired in this case that it would apply to all widows' pensions granted in the future as well as to those already paid. I have to introduce it by Order, because under the Superannuation and Pensions Act, 1929, it comes into operation only by resolution of the Dáil.

Regarding other pensions to which Deputy Cogan referred, the appropriate increase in Garda and widows' pensions is being paid.

This is only a small amount.

I am not giving new pensions, but am increasing the present ones.

Will the Garda widows' pensions be paid before Christmas?

I understand they are being paid.

I do not think they were getting it a fortnight ago.

We will get the payments out as quickly as possible.

Try to get them out before Christmas.