71 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Defence if a former member of the Defence Forces (details supplied) is entitled to draw the widow's and orphans pensions which he has been contributing to for the past 11 years.

On the introduction in 1985 of a revised contributory pension scheme for the spouses and children of non-commissioned officers and privates, the person referred to opted to become a member of the scheme and to pay the required contributions by way of deductions from his Army pension. These deductions will continue for the remainder of his lifetime.

The contributory scheme in question provides pensions for the spouse and dependent children of a member who dies in service or after his discharge on pension.