asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that ex-Volunteer Michael White, Grant's Row, Dublin, who is in receipt of a small military pension, and who is at present unemployed, has applied to have same commuted or a loan granted in order to allow him to accept employment in Canada, which has been offered to him by relatives there, and if, where deserving cases of this kind are brought to his notice, he will consider same.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - COMMUTATION OF MILITARY PENSIONS.
I regret that I have no power to commute, or make a loan in respect of, the whole or any part of a pension granted under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1924. Mr. Michael White, of 18 Sandwith Terrace, Dublin, who is presumably the pensioner referred to by the Deputy, was informed accordingly.
Mr. BYRNE
If the Minister has no power will he seek power to deal with deserving cases such as this?
That would mean an amending Act.
Mr. BYRNE
Will the Minister say whether he will seek power or not? Is he aware that there are many cases of young men with very small pensions who would like to have them commuted? I do not favour the commutation of pensions, but this young man has been offered employment in Canada with his own relatives, and he is now drawing a pension of 7s. or 8s. per week.
The pension is £34 13s. 5d. per annum. This is the first case in which such a request has been put forward.
Mr. BYRNE
That is not an answer to the question whether the Minister will seek power.
I have no intention.