asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to a Press photograph and statement which purports to suggest that Sergeant Edward Fitzpatrick, of Claregate Street, Kildare, was forced out of the Army and to emigrate, and if he will now state the date on which Sergeant Fitzpatrick was discharged from the Army and whether such discharge was at his own request or otherwise and if the former, will he state the date on which such request was first made and the reason given for such request.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Discharge.
My attention has been drawn to the photograph and statement mentioned. Sergeant Edward Fitzpatrick was discharged on pension from the forces, with effect from the 23rd February last, at his own request. The letter containing his request for discharge was dated 20th January last and stated that he proposed to emigrate to the United States of America. It was open to Sergeant Fitzpatrick to serve until the 6th October next, when his engagement would have expired in the ordinary course. As from that date, if he had desired, his engagement could have been extended for further periods.
Can the Minister state whether this man applied previously to be discharged?
I have no information at the moment of a previous application for this man's discharge. If the Deputy asks for that at any time in a separate question I shall get him the information.
The "Dáil Reporter" is shown to be wrong in that, anyway.