Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Dec 1947

Vol. 109 No. 6

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Military Service Medal.

asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the grounds upon which Mathew Gurren, Keelogues, Mostrim, was not issued with a service medal; if he is aware that Mr. Gurren was one of the pioneers in the volunteer movement in County Longford; that he gave good service during the years 1917 to 1921 inclusive; that certificates of his service were given by his commanding officers and by the Longford Brigade Committee; that his appeal for recognition of his military service has never been determined; that he was never called before the referee; and if he will take the necessary steps to have a certificate and medal issued.

There is no record that Mr. Mathew Gurren, Keelogues, Mostrim, has applied for the award of service medal (pre-truce). His claim under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934, for a certificate of military service was refused because the referee reported that he is not a person to whom the Act applies and an appeal against the finding of the referee was rejected on the ground that the evidence submitted did not warrant the reopening of the case. Mr. Gurren was not called before the referee as the latter is not statutorily bound to hear any applicant. Under Section 5 of the Military Service Pensions (Amendment) Act, 1945, my power to request the referee to review his report in the case has been withdrawn and the findings contained in the referee's report are now final and incapable of review.

Is the Minister aware that Mathew Gurren did apply for a medal?

I am not aware that he applied, but if he did, it is possible for him, with the amendment of the Act, to apply again.

With the amendment of the Act! The amendment is not yet introduced. Would the Minister, if Standing Orders were suspended, introduce a short Bill to-day removing that one section of the Act? I am satisfied that the House will facilitate the Government in having the Standing Orders suspended. It is the removal of one section and would the Minister consider that?

Before the House rises?

I do not think that would be feasible.

The House is supreme and if Standing Orders were suspended it could be done. It is not fair to put this on the long finger until after the election.

The Deputy can make that speech at the election.

Arising out of the Minister for Local Government's disorderly reply, this is not an election speech. I have been making it for years and I think the Chair will bear testimony to that.

Top
Share