asked the Minister for Defence whether he will cause an investigation to be held into the circumstances surrounding the refusal of a pension application by Mrs. Violet Dooley, 67 Carnlough Road, Dublin, widow of the late Sergeant Michael Dooley (10262), Fifth Cyclist Squadron, who died on 20th May, 1944; if he is aware that the late Sergeant Dooley served for five years in the old I.R.A. and for 22 years in the Army; if he is further aware that Sergeant Dooley had been issued a certificate for swimming with full military equipment, and that, prior to the swimming exercises, he had been in perfect health; and if, in view of the facts of the case, he will see that an adequate pension is immediately awarded to Mrs. Dooley, who has nine children.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pension Application of Soldier's Widow.
Mrs. Dooley's application for an allowance under the Army Pensions Act, 1927, in respect of the death of her husband, the late Sergeant Michael Dooley, was investigated by the Army Pensions Board, who reported to me that they were not satisfied that Sergeant Dooley's death was attributable to his military service in the forces during the emergency period. In the circumstances, no allowance could be granted to Mrs. Dooley. As the Army Pensions Board is a statutory body whose findings are final and conclusive, an investigation of the nature suggested by the Deputy could not be carried out.
The late Sergeant Dooley applied for a certificate under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1924, but his claim was rejected by the Board of Assessors. He served in the forces from February, 1922, to the date of his death, and on the enactment of certain amendments to the Defence Forces (Pensions) Scheme, 1937, which are at present in course of preparation, a gratuity in respect of this service will be payable to Mrs. Dooley.
I am aware that the late Sergeant Dooley, amongst many others, was awarded a certificate for passing the prescribed test in swimming in battle dress uniform with rifle and equipment. The deceased N.C.O. was not medically examined prior to the test, as such an examination is not considered necessary.