asked the Minister for Defence if he will introduce an amendment to the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934, clearly defining active service and giving due credit to those whose services mainly or partly come under the headings of despatch carrying, intelligence work, munition making, transport and engineering.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Military Service Pensions.
I do not propose to introduce legislation to amend the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934, as suggested by the Deputy.
asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that the personnel of the board operating under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934, has varied from time to time and that due to the wording in the Act defining active service, different interpretations have been placed by the board on this term, and if he will now introduce amending legislation clearly defining active service.
I am aware that changes have been made in the appointments of the Referee and Advisory Committee under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934. I am advised, however, that, notwithstanding these changes, a uniform interpretation of the expression "active service" has been adhered to. I do not propose to introduce amending legislation.
asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that claims under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934, lodged by ex-members of the Irish Republican Army who were interned or jailed and who up to date of arrest obeyed all instructions of their senior officers have been rejected, and if he will make representations to the Pensions Board with a view to having pensions granted in such cases.
I am aware that claims under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934, by persons who gave service on the lines indicated by the Deputy have been refused. I would point out, however, that the administration of the Act is vested solely in the referee, whose decisions are final and conclusive and binding on all parties. I do not propose, therefore, to make representations as suggested by the Deputy.
asked the Minister for Defence whether he has under consideration a claim for a pension in respect of the death of Mr. Patrick Flynn, Ceanannus Mór, County Meath, an old I.R.A. man who was killed in the Civil War; and, if so, if he will state whether a decision is likely to be reached soon, and payment made to the mother of deceased who, now at an advanced age, is in poor circumstances.
I have had under consideration a claim under the Army Pensions Act from Mrs. Mary Flynn, The Carrick, Kells, County Meath, in respect of her deceased son, Patrick Flynn, who died on the 24th January, 1926. This is presumably the claim referred to by the Deputy. A gratuity of £112 10s. has been paid to Mrs. Flynn in respect of her claim.