asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that Gárda Michael Devins, of Nunstown, Drumcliffe, Co. Sligo, sustained an injury to his leg while engaged in digging a trench at Clonskea Castle in August, 1922; that in June, 1924, the leg was again injured as a result of a fall from a bicycle while on duty; that on 20th March, 1925, Devins was discharged as medically unfit after spending a number of weeks in hospital, and whether, in the circumstances, and in view of the fact that his permanent disablement is due to injuries received while discharging his duties as a Gárda, the Minister does not consider that he is entitled either to a pension or gratuity.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - DISCHARGED GARDA.
The Gárda Síochána records do not disclose that this man sustained any injury during his period of service in the force. From the surgeon's report it appears that his discharge from the Gárda was due to tubercular disease of the shin bone, but there is nothing to show from what cause this developed. He was sent to St. Vincent's Hospital on the 3rd March last with synovial effusion around the knee, and it transpired, on X-Ray examination, that the condition was caused by tubercular disease of the shin bone. He was discharged as medically unfit on the 20th March. I am having further inquiries made in the case and I will communicate the result to the Deputy.