asked the Minister for Defence whether, in view of allegations concerning the administration of the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934, in County Galway, he will authorise the holding of a public sworn inquiry into the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Military Service Pensions.
I am not aware that any allegations have been made concerning the administration of the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934, in County Galway. I do not propose to authorise the holding of a public sworn inquiry into the matter.
asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the total cost of the pensions paid, and the administrative costs incurred, under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934.
The total amount paid as pensions to persons under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934, during the period from the date of the passing of the Act to the 31st December, 1944, amounted to £2,561,070, and the administrative costs amounted to £130,000, including the salary of the Referees as borne on the Central Fund.
asked the Minister for Defence if he is yet in a position to state whether it is proposed to amend the abatement clauses in the Military Service Pensions Acts, 1924 and 1934, under which deductions are made from pensions in respect of persons who are in the employment of the State and public bodies.
It is hoped to reach a decision on this question very shortly.
asked the Minister for Defence if he will state (a) the number of old I.R.A. men in the First Brigade, First Western Division (South East Galway), in receipt of military service pensions under the 1934 Act; (b) the number of officers of the brigade who are in receipt of pensions; (c) the number who hold (i) the rank of Brigade Commandant; (ii) other commissioned ranks, and (iii) private rank, for the area in question, and (d) how many men must a Brigadier command to qualify for that rank.
The number of applicants who claimed to have served in the First Brigade, First Western Division (South East Galway), and who are in receipt of pensions under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934, is 13. Of this number six are officers.
The number who are deemed to have held Rank "C" as Brigade Officer Commanding, is two.
The number who are deemed to have held other commissioned rank is four.
The number who are deemed to have held the rank of private is seven.
Any person who, at any date, was a Brigade Officer Commanding whose brigade was at that date not less than 1,000 in strength shall be deemed to have held Rank "B". Any person who, at any date, was a Brigade Officer Commanding, or a Vice Brigade Officer Commanding, or a Brigade Adjutant, or a Brigade Quartermaster whose brigade was at that date less than 1,000 in strength shall be deemed to have held Rank "C".