asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware of the existing anomaly whereby persons in receipt of certain types of I.R.A. disability pension can avail themselves of free hospital treatment at St. Bricin's Hospital, while in contrast those in receipt of pensions other than disability ones must pay for such treatment; and, if so, whether he will introduce proposals for amending legislation to enable all these pensioners to receive free hospital treatment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - I.R.A. Disability Pensioners.
Persons in receipt of Óglaigh na h-Éireann (I.R.A.) disability pensions cannot of their own accord avail of free hospital treatment at St. Bricin's Hospital, but such treatment may be provided on the recommendation of the Army Pensions Board for persons who are granted temporary awards of pension in respect of disabilities directly attributable to military service.
I do not propose to amend the Acts to make medical treatment available for persons suffering from disability not attributable to service.