This Bill makes statutory provision for an increase of 5 per cent in the services and disability pensions payable under the Connaught Rangers (Pensions) Acts, 1936 to 1962. The increase is similar to those provided for State pensioners generally in the 1963 Budget and is costing approximately £100 per annum.

Payment of the increased rates commenced with effect from the 1st November, 1963 on the authority of a Supplementary Estimate approved by Dáil Éireann on the 28th November, 1963.

How many of these Connaught Rangers still survive?

Twenty-two still survive.

The number, I notice from the Minister's statement, is very small and the amount of money involved is also very small. How is the increase of five per cent worked out, remembering the history of the Connaught Rangers, and assuming that this is to meet the increase in the cost of living? I know there has to be some basis for the increase and I presume that is the basis the Minister is going on now. Why is it so low?

It is no lower than the other pensions administered by the Department of Defence. The five per cent increase this year applies all round. I do not consider the Senator has made a case for any discrimination in favour of the Connaught Rangers as compared with, say, the Old IRA.