asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that the late Mr. Joseph Connolly, of 17 Derheen, Thurles, applied for a special allowance under the Army Pensions Acts in February, 1949; that his Department spent from that date until March, 1950, when Mr. Connolly died, in the investigation of his claim, and that by letter dated 16th March, 1950, the Department intimated that, since Mr. Connolly had died before the investigation of his claim had been completed, it was regretted that his death determined his claim, and, if so, whether he will make provision for the payment of a gratuity to Mr. Connolly's widow and orphans in view of the long delay in his Department in dealing with this claim.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Pensions.
I am aware that the late Mr. Joseph Connolly, 17 Derheen, Thurles, applied in February, 1949, for a special allowance under the Army Pensions Acts, and that he died in March, 1950, before the investigation of his claim was completed. The delay was unavoidable and his death determined the claim. I regret that I have no power which would enable me to pay a gratuity to the dependents of the deceased.
Can the Minister inform the House what caused the delay in investigating this case?
There were a number of causes. One of them was that, following receipt of the claim, the claimant was asked for a medical certificate to sustain the claim. This certificate did not arrive until August and the investigation officers had then to investigate on one side, and the medical board on the other. These are all complementary factors which contributed to the delay. Incidentally, the Deputy is perhaps aware that this claim is one of many thousands.
It is a pity is was not expedited.
I have already expressed my regret.