asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that Volunteer Joseph Maher, Courtown Road, Kilcock, County Kildare (M.S.P. No. 7705) has been refused a pension, although whilst on military duty he lost the sight of one eye as the result of an injury received at the destruction of a bridge at Kilcock on the 16th January, 1921; that he received medical treatment at St. Bricin's Military Hospital during the period June 26th to August 15th, 1926, and is at present unable to find employment owing to loss of eyesight, and whether he will have the case reconsidered with a view to the immediate award of either a military service or disability pension.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - MILITARY PENSION.
Mr. Maher made two applications for pensions, one under the Army Pensions Act, 1923, in respect of the injury referred to by the Deputy, and one under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1924. As regards the former, he received treatment in St. Bricin's Hospital from the 28th June, 1926, to the 14th August, 1926. His claim to pension was disallowed on the grounds that the evidence adduced in support of the claim was not such as would justify the award of a pension. If Mr. Maher submits definite evidence as to the nature of the injury to his eye on the occasion referred to, I will' have the case reconsidered.
His application under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1924, was disallowed on the grounds that he did not establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Assessors that he rendered the minimum amount of military service required by sub-section 4 of Section 2 of the Act. He appealed against the findings of the Board, but as his appeal was not made within the time specified by regulations then in force, it could not be entertained. Under revised regulations it is now possible to entertain an appeal from him, and I am communicating with Mr. Maher in the matter.