To ask the Minister for Finance what Department is responsible for providing medical treatment for soldiers discharged from the British Army, who served in the European War, and who are residents of the Irish Free State; from what fund the cost of such treatment is defrayed; whether any alteration in the existing arrangements is rendered necessary by the Irish Free State Act, and if so, whether he will ensure that the citizens concerned will not be placed in a less favourable position as regards treatment than ex-soldiers in Great Britain, and that no part of the cost will fall upon them or upon the Free State Exchequer.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - DISCHARGED BRITISH SOLDIERS IN THE IRISH FREE STATE.
The administration of medical services for soldiers discharged from the British Army from service after the European War remains under the control of the British Government, and the cost is met from funds provided by that Government. I am not aware that any alteration of the existing circumstances is rendered necessary by the Irish Free State Act, and I have no reason for thinking that ex-soldiers who are citizens of the Irish Free State will be placed in any less favourable position for treatment than soldier citizens of Great Britain.