asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that a disability pension awarded ex-Captain Michael Cashman, National Army, Redforge Park, Youghal, for the loss of his hand and arm while on active service has recently been decreased; whether he is aware that the applicant has lost the complete use of this arm and whether full pension awarded him under the provisions of the Army Pensions Act, 1923, will be restored; whether applicant was recently examined by a Military Medical Board, and if he will state the result of such examination.
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - DISABILITY PENSIONS TO EX-ARMY OFFICERS.
The pension awarded to Mr. Cashman under the provisions of the Army Pension Act, 1923, has been reduced from £150 to £100 per annum following his re-examination by a Medical Board on the 15th May last. The latter award is for the year ending 30th June, 1926, when he will be due to undergo further medical examination. The amounts granted to Mr. Cashman are in accordance with the degree of disability existing at the time of assessment. I regret that it is not practicable to increase them.
asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that Jeremiah Curtin, ex-Captain, National Army, Lady's Bridge, Co. Cork, was in receipt of a disability pension under the provisions of the Army Pensions Act, 1923, for wounds received while on active service with his unit, in 1922 and 1923; whether the pension has recently been considerably decreased, though the applicant's doctor certifies him still unfit for work, and whether payment of full amount of pension awarded him will be continued for some time to enable him to secure the necessary medical treatment to restore him to his usual health.
Mr. Curtin was awarded a temporary pension of £60 per annum under the provisions of the Army Pensions Act, 1923, with effect as from the 10th August, 1924, to the 30th June, 1925, and was afforded medical treatment. On being medically re-examined, he was found to be no longer suffering from a disability which could be attributed to any injury sustained whilst on active service. The pension could not, therefore, I regret to say, be continued.
asked the Minister for Defence, whether he has received a claim from William Dolan, ex-National Army, who resides at 2 Clonmel Terrace, Mitchelstown, for disability pension or gratuity under the provisions of the Army Pensions Act, 1923; whether such claim has been investigated and whether as a result of any such investigation applicant will receive disability pension or other gratuity for the loss of his leg.
I regret that Mr. Dolan's claim under the provisions of the Army Pensions Act, 1923, had to be disallowed on the ground that his disability is not due to a wound or injury received in the course of duty whilst on active service. I have no power, therefore, to grant him any financial assistance in respect of it.