asked the Minister for Defence whether he intends to introduce a scheme of gratuities for NCOs and other ranks who leave the Defence Forces before qualifying for a pension.

Provision already exists in the Defence Forces (Pensions) Schemes for the payment of gratuities to non-commissioned officers and privates who are discharged from the Defence Forces before they have completed the requisite qualifying service for pension purposes.

Has the Minister the information? Has any progress been made following the requests made that those who do qualify should be granted their gratuities as well as the small pensions they get?

No decision has been reached on that.

Last year when this matter was discussed on the Estimate the Minister did say he was having the matter examined. Would he say if any progress has been made on it?

Very little progress has been made.