asked the Minister for Defence whether he will issue instructions for the guidance of persons anxious to apply for I.R.A. pensions under the Military Service Pensions (Amendment) Act, 1949; and, if so, when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - I.R.A. Pension Applicants.
I propose when certain legal formalities in connection with the administration of the Military Service Pensions (Amendment) Act, 1949, have been completed to issue guidance to applicants by way of advertisement in the public Press and by way of announcement on the radio.
In the meantime, persons whose claims are refused and who wish to have their cases reheard should communicate with my Department, giving full particulars of their claims for identification purposes. Forms on which to petition for rehearing will be issued to such persons.
Applicants who did not claim prior to the 1st January, 1946, should also communicate with the Department, when a letter outlining the circumstances in which such claims may now be accepted will be issued to them.
The amendment Act makes no provision for reconsideration of cases in which awards of pension have already been made.