asked the Minister for Defence if a pension of £50 per annum was awarded to Michael Donnelly, of 16 Nelson Street, Dublin, under the Army Pensions Act, 1923; if subsequent to the granting of this pension Michael Donnelly was indicted for having obtained the pension referred to by false pretences, the pretences alleged being that he averred that he was wounded whilst serving as an Irish Volunteer; if on the trial of Michael Donnelly at the Dublin Circuit Court (terminating 31st January, 1927) he was acquitted, it being proved that he was not guilty of any false pretence and that he was, in fact, wounded whilst serving as an Irish Volunteer on two occasions; if, notwithstanding the verdict arrived at and the evidence adduced, the pension awarded to Michael Donnelly is still withheld, and if the Minister will state on what ground the pension has not been paid, and if he will now have an inquiry made into the facts and circumstances.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - The Army Pensions Act, 1923.
The answer to the first, second and third portions of the question is in the affirmative.
Mr. Donnelly's pension ceased in January, 1925, under the operation of the Army Pensions Act, 1923, by reason of the fact that his disability was not then of pensionable proportion and its termination had no connection with the prosecution in 1927 referred to in the question.