asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that in support of his claim for a pension under Section 5 of the Superannuation Act, 1923, Mr. John Purcell, Coolcullen, Co. Kilkenny, an ex-member of the R.I.C., submitted the names of several persons as references in regard to his sympathies with the national cause, and, further, whether in this connection he received a testimonial from the clergy and people of the claimant's district and the Castlecomer district; whether this case was, as is stated, favourably considered by the Committee of Inquiry into resignations from the R.I.C.; whether the Minister had before him on the occasion of his recent decision a copy of Mr. Purcell's letter, dated 26th October, 1925, to the Commissioner of the Gárda Síochána, in which was given a full statement of the claim and reasons for resignation, and the names of people who could corroborate the statement, and whether the Minister proposes to review his decision in this case.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - EX-R.I.C'S. CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Mr. Purcell's claim was favourably reported upon by the Committee of Inquiry into Resignations and Dismissals from the R.I.C., but on full consideration of all the facts of the case, including information which was not before the Committee, I am not satisfied that this man's resignation from the Constabulary was caused by his national sympathies. I have accordingly felt unable to authorise the grant to him of a pension, and I am not aware of any reason which would warrant a departure from that decision. I have not received a copy of the applicant's letter, dated 26th October, 1925, addressed to the Commissioner of the Gárda Síochána.