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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Apr 1943

Vol. 89 No. 14

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Monaghan Soldier's Discharge.

asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that Acting Corporal J.J. McMahon (No. 59463) was committed to Monaghan Mental Hospital on 12th August, 1942, after serving 19 years in the Defence Forces and immediately after being five or six weeks in hospital suffering from stomach trouble and foot trouble, and that he was discharged by the medical superintendent of the mental hospital on 17th September, 1942, as a man who should not be a committed patient to such institution; that Mr. McMahon has since offered his services to the Army and has been refused re-admission, and later has applied for a pension or compensation; and if the Minister will say whether he proposes to grant such pension or compensation, or whether, failing power under existing law, he proposes to have the law amended to enable him to do so.

I am aware that Acting Corporal John J. McMahon, enlisted in the forces in 1924, transferred to the reserve in 1927, and called out on permanent service in September, 1939, was committed to Monaghan Mental Hospital on the 12th August, 1942, under the Defence Forces (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1925, immediately after having been in hospital for five weeks suffering from neurasthenia. While in the hospital he also complained of stomach and foot trouble. I understand that he has since been discharged from the mental hospital, and that, having regard to the circumstances under which he was discharged from the Army, it was not considered desirable to avail of his subsequent offer to re-enlist. Ex-Corporal McMahon's claim for compensation could not be considered under either the Army Pensions Acts or the Defence Forces (Pensions) Scheme, but it will be open to him to renew his claim when the Army Pensions Bill, 1943, becomes law.

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