Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Dec 1950

Vol. 123 No. 11

MacSwiney (Pension) Bill, 1950—Second Stage.

Minister for Defence (Dr. O'Higgins)

I move: That the Bill be now read a Second Time.

This is a very short Bill. Its meaning is clear in the operative section. I do not think that it will be necessary for me to stress at any length the circumstances that directed us to introduce this Bill. It is sufficient to say that the lady in question, the widow of the late Lord Mayor, Terence MacSwiney, could have had a pension for the last 26 years. At that time, she was well blessed with the world's goods. She did not apply. Times have changed. Her circumstances are different. Hence this Bill.

Captain Cowan

I am glad that the Minister has brought in this Bill. What I feel about it is that it is a pity that the Bill was not more comprehensive in its scope so as to cover other persons very similarly placed. This country owes a duty to itself to see that the widows and the children of persons who laid down their lives for the country are reasonably looked after. That is why I would have liked if the Bill, instead of being limited to one individual, were wider in its scope. I am sure it is only necessary to mention to the Minister, in that connection, that it is time a more comprehensive measure was introduced that would make provision for the widows and the children of the persons I have mentioned.

There is some provision in another Bill for widows of the men who signed the Proclamation of 1916 and who were executed. There is a general feeling that that Bill should be extended to cover the children of those persons, and I would avail of this opportunity to press on the Minister the necessity for bringing in a more comprehensive Bill of the scope I have mentioned that will make proper provision for those particular people.

Question agreed to.

Agreed to take remaining stages to-day.