asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the grounds upon which Michael Dowling, New Cottages, Castlecomer, County Kilkenny (Ref. D.P. 14543—Army Pension Act, 1946), was refused a disability pension.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Military Service Pension Claim.
Mr. Michael Dowling's first claim for a disability pension under the Army Pensions Acts was refused because the Army Pensions Board reported on the 23rd December, 1943, that they were not satisfied on the evidence that the disability from which he was found to be suffering was attributable to his service in the Forces during the emergency period
His second claim made under Section 12 of the Army Pensions Act, 1946, to the effect that he was suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis aggravated, accelerated or excited by service in the Forces was also refused in view of the report dated 2nd September, 1946, made by the Army Pensions Board. The board reported that Mr. Dowling's claim did not come within the scope of Section 12 of the Act, and that, in any event, the degree of disablement from which he was found to be suffering at the time of his examination by the board did not reach the minimum required for the grant of a pension under that section, viz., 80 per cent.
Is the Minister not aware that, when this man joined the Army, he was certified by his local doctor and by the Army doctors as being free from tuberculosis? Is he not also aware that, during his service in the Army, he contracted tuberculosis?
The Deputy is misinformed. I am glad to be able to say that the man is not suffering from tuberculosis, according to the medical testimony.
At present?
At present?
Is the Minister aware——
Question No. 35.
Surely I am entitled to ask a supplementary question?
The Deputy has no such claim and I wish that Deputies would understand that. The number of supplementary questions is regulated at the will of the Ceann Comhairle who sees 52 questions before him, 40 minutes gone and a possibility of not finishing the others.
I have asked only one supplementary question on this case whereas several supplementary questions have been asked on every preceding question. I want to ask the Minister——
Question No. 35. The Deputy was allowed to ask several supplementary questions on previous questions.
I give notice that I will raise the matter on the adjournment.