asked the Minister for Defence if he will state, in relation to Sergeant T. Fegan, R. 37157, A Company, 9th Battalion, (1), whether he has been recently discharged or whether it is intended to discharge him from the Army; (2) and, if so, the reason for his discharge; (3) the ranks held and the periods served by him, in (a) the National Army, and (b) the Reserve; (4) his total service (a) with the Army, and (b) with the Reserve; (5) his character while in the Army; (6) the pay and allowances payable to him immediately prior to his discharge; (7) the financial provision, if any, made for him on his discharge from the Army; (8) whether this financial provision, if any, is intended to be sufficient to maintain his wife and his seven children; and (9) if no financial provision has been made for him on his discharge from the Army, whether any examination has been made and whether he has been given any advice as to the alternatives available for him towards the maintenance of his family, and whether he has been given any assistance to assist him in adopting any of these alternatives.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Sergeant's Discharge.
The answers to the Deputy's question are as follows: (1) and (2); Sergeant Thomas Fegan has not been discharged from the Defence Forces but it has been recommended that he be discharged on medical grounds; (3) He was attested as private on the 3rd February, 1923, promoted corporal on the 1st October, 1924, and promoted sergeant on the 9th November, 1931. He was not transferred to the Reserve; (4) Sergeant Fegan's total service in the Army, therefore, amounts to 19 years 72 days to date; (5) His character, as last assessed, was very good; (6) He is at present in receipt of pay at the rate of 5/- per diem. Marriage allowance at the same rate is also paid; (7) No financial provision can be made for him until his discharge; (8) and (9); In view of (7) they do not arise.
Am I to understand from the Minister that it is proposed to discharge Sergeant Fegan before he attains a period of service that will entitle him to a pension?
I do not think that is the intention. He will be entitled to a pension. He is being discharged on medical grounds.
On what date is it proposed to discharge him?
I really could not say at the moment.