Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Nov 1937

Vol. 69 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Military Pensioners' Dependents.

asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that there are many widows and dependents of men who, at the time of their decease, were in receipt of military service pensions for service, amongst other periods, in Easter Week, 1916, have been left in poor circumstances; and if he will state whether he has any funds at his disposal to make ex gratia grants in such cases, or, if not, if he has any proposals to make in the matter.

The only powers to grant pensions or gratuities to widows or dependents of men who had military service during the period 1916-1923 are contained in the Wounds and Disability Acts. To be entitled to an award under those Acts, the dependent person must prove that the deceased died as a result of wounds or disease attributable to military service, and that his or her claim otherwise complies with the provisions of those Acts.

Has the Minister any proposals to make in respect of those cases to which the Act does not apply?

The powers are contained in the Wounds and Disability Pensions Acts and run into about ten pages. I must refer the Deputy to these Acts.

Top
Share