asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons at present in receipt of military service pensions.

(Dún Laoghaire): The number of persons at present in receipt of pensions under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1924, and Military Service Pension Act, 1934 is 1,381.

Does the Minister of State know the number of people in receipt of special allowances? In view of the fact that the number of people in receipt of military service pensions is so small, would the Minister consider giving them a substantial increase in their pension next year?

That seems to be a separate question.

Does the Minister not know how many people are in receipt of the special allowance?

(Dún Laoghaire): The Minister is answering questions that are asked.

The Minister will appreciate that pensions paid to those who took part in the War of Independance in this country are made in two forms, one in the military pension form and the other by way of a special allowance.

The question is about military service pensions.

Surely the Minister should not withhold from the House the information as to the total number of people now in receipt of one or other of these two pensions so that we can know how many of our worthy patriots are still alive.

(Dún Laoghaire): The question is to ask the Minister for Defence the number of persons at present in receipt of military pensions. The number is 1,381, which is accurate.