asked the Minister for Defence if he has received a report from the Board of Assessors dealing with applications for Military Service Pensions regarding the application of Patrick J. Byrne, of Knockgraffon, Cahir (Ref. No. S.P. 4454), and, if so, whether the Minister will state what is the reason for the protracted delay in announcing the result of examination into the application, and what is his decision in the case.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - MILITARY SERVICE PENSIONS.
I have received the report of the Board of Assessors on the application of Mr. Patrick J. Byrne under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1924. The Board did not find that he rendered the minimum amount of service required by sub-section (4) of Section 2 of the Act. Mr. Byrne was so informed on the 16th July, 1926. He appealed against the findings of the Board, and submitted what purported to be additional evidence in support of his application. On that evidence I requested the Board to re-open their findings in his case. I have now received the Board's further report, and before I can come to a decision as to the granting of a certificate of military service and a pension, certain investigations have to be made. These investigations are proceeding at present, and will be completed as soon as possible.