asked the Minister for Defence if he will state whether men with long service, first in the I.R.A. and subsequently in the National Army, have been discharged suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis and without either pension or gratuity, and if he will take steps to provide for such cases.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - PROVISION FOR INCAPACITATED SOLDIERS.
Officers and men have been discharged from the army suffering from tuberculosis without either pension or gratuity. I regret that it is not practicable to make any financial or other provision for them out of Army Funds. Sanatorium treatment is however being provided for in most, if not all, cases under the National Health Insurance and the Tuberculosis Acts.
Mr. BYRNE
Arising out of the Minister's answer, may I ask the following supplementary question:—Is the Minister aware of the numerous complaints with reference to the delay in issuing pensions to wounded men and the dependents of those who gave their lives in the service of the country since 1916?
Is not this a question of men discharged suffering from a disease?
Mr. BYRNE
It is a question of pensions generally.
It is a question dealing specially with pulmonary tuberculosis.
Mr. BYRNE
May I ask it at the conclusion of the questions as a private notice question and as a matter of urgency? A serious complaint was made in another place yesterday with regard to this matter. With your permission I would like to ask it as a private notice question.
The Deputy should have given notice of that.