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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Jan 1926

Vol. 14 No. 1

CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - SOLDIER'S PENSION CLAIM.

asked the Minister for Defence if he can state why the claim to a pension of James McCormack, Coolearagh, Robertstown, Co. Kildare, formerly a sergeant in the Army Transport, who served in the Irish Volunteers from 1915 to 1922, when he joined the National Army, from which he took his discharge in March, 1924, has been disallowed.

A military service pension may be granted by the Minister for Defence with the sanction of the Minister for Finance only to an applicant who satisfies the Board of Assessors that he rendered at least the pre-Truce and post-Truce active military service prescribed in sub-section 4 of Section 2 of the Military Service Pensions Act, 1924. Mr. McCormack did not establish a claim in respect of the necessary pre-Truce service, namely, active military service during the week commencing the 23rd April, 1916, or throughout either the period from the 1st April, 1920, to the 31st March, 1921, or the period from the 1st April, 1921, to the 11th July, 1921. I regret, therefore, that I am precluded by the Board's report as it stands from granting him a pension. Mr. McCormack was so informed on the 18th November last.

Arising out of that answer, may I ask the Minister if new evidence is brought to his attention will he reconsider the matter? I think that this man, through ignorance, has messed up his claim very considerably. Perhaps the Minister will reconsider the matter? I am satisfied that a mistake has been made. Certainly one or two communications were sent to his brother on the matter, and apparently there was a mix-up between the two of them.

I can only reconsider the matter if additional evidence is brought forward; there could not be any reconsideration on the old evidence.

There will be fresh evidence.

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