asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the proposals for the compensation of the dependents of the 16 soldiers of the National Army who lost their lives in the explosion which occurred in the Glen of Imaal, County Wicklow, on the 16th September, 1941; if he is aware that three men were completely blinded, and one man partially blinded and partially disabled as a result of this explosion; and, if so, if he will state his proposals for providing for the future of these men and of any others who were injured on the same occasion; and if he will further state whether the blind and disabled men were struck off the Army pay roll on 17th January without any notification of the proposals for their future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Compensation for Soldiers' Dependents.
Mr. Byrne
The widows and children of the three married men killed in the explosion at Glen Imaal have been awarded allowances under the Army Pensions Acts. Claims under the Acts have been received from three men who were rendered totally blind in the explosion, and who were discharged from the Army on the 17th January last. These claims are under consideration and will be dealt with at an early date. Claims received from any of the other men injured in the explosion will be dealt with under the Acts. Any claims not covered by the Army Pensions Acts will be considered on an ex-gratia basis.