asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware of the decision of the Military Service Pensions Board that to qualify for a military service pension the applicant must have been engaged in at least one major operation; also that the phrase "being engaged in a major operation pre-truce" is interpreted in a very narrow form; that in a large number of cases applicants for pensions did not state their case clearly in their forms of application and that this is likely to result in a large number of applicants being disqualified without their claims being heard verbally by the board; and if it is proposed to define "active service" for the benefit of applicants and for the guidance of the board and referee.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Military Service Pension.
I am informed that no such decision as that referred to by the Deputy has been taken by the referee and advisory committee. The fact is that an applicant's service as a whole is taken into account. It is true that where evidence is given that an applicant was engaged in a major operation the question of his having rendered active service is more easily determined and his case, consequently, more readily disposed of.
With regard to the other parts of the Deputy's question: In any case where an applicant for a pension has not stated his case clearly in his form of application he is given every opportunity of supplying further particulars of service before the referee reports on his case.
Finally, it is not proposed to define the term "active service." That must be left to the referee and advisory committee. The Act of 1934 is, in this respect, similar to the Military Service Pensions Act, 1924.