asked the Minister for Defence if he can give the probable date or month on or in which he intends to introduce legislation that will enable compensation, pension or gratuity to be paid to men who served their country and are now suffering from tuberculosis, neurasthenia, mental trouble and other disabilities and loss of limbs through accidental causes whilst serving the State; if he is aware that a stereotyped reply is sent to nearly all such persons to the effect that as the injury in respect of which a claim is made was received after the date of cessation of active service conditions the case cannot be considered under the Army Pensions Act, 1923, and if he is aware that many victims are penniless and are dependent on relatives for support and have not the right of claiming compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Acts.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - PROVISION FOR DISABLED SOLDIERS.
I regret that I cannot say as definitely as the Deputy desires when legislation will be introduced to amend the Army Pensions Act, 1923. A draft of a Bill for the purpose is at present under consideration from the financial standpoint. I hope to be able to introduce the Bill before the summer adjournment.
Could the Minister not recommend these men to some Department for compensation or some little allowance which will enable them to live without having to depend on their relatives?
There is no Department that I know to which I could recommend them, because there is no money devoted for purposes of that kind.
In 1924 I referred to several cases and I brought them to the notice of the Minister and always got the same reply.
Is the Minister aware that a similar reply was given on several occasions by successive Ministers? Several Minister have been in office since this matter first arose. There is considerable distress prevailing amongst these people, who are obliged to live on their relatives. Will the Minister give an assurance that he will introduce a measure sufficiently early to enable it to be passed before the summer recess? The Minister knows quite well it is unfair to ask these men to continue their dependency for a further period and they are entitled to some relief.
Will the Minister give an undertaking that a Bill will be introduced and passed before the general election?
A lot will depend on the frame of mind of the House.
Does the Minister remember when he promised that a Bill would be introduced immediately after the Easter adjournment?
I think I said after the Easter adjournment, not immediately after the Easter adjournment. The matter is not being delayed in any way. The Bill has to be examined. The heads of the Bill are perfectly settled and in order, but a certain examination has to take place in regard to the drafting. As soon as that is done the Bill will be introduced. No unnecessary delay will take place.
Is the Bill any more forward now than when the first answer of this sort was given?
Yes.
The President, in answer to a similar question, stated that the Bill would be before the House in December, 1924.
I am not responsible for the President's statement.
Is the Minister responsible for the position in which these people are in the country? They are suffering great distress.
Does the Minister disclaim responsibility for things his predecessor in office said?
No, sir.
You accept responsibility?
I have something here which the Minister is responsible for. It goes back to the year 1924. It is a letter and it states: "Mr. Hughes desires me to acknowledge receipt of your communication of the 6th instant giving particulars of the following three cases in respect of whom applications are made to have considered in connection with the Amending Pensions Bill which it is hoped to introduce in the near future and to inform you that these cases shall have consideration...." It is now 1926.
And it might go on until 1930.