asked the Minister for Defence if he will request the Army Pensions Board to continue the practice of going on circuit for the hearing of applicants' claims, and ensure that applicants will receive at least two weeks' notice of such sittings to enable them to have witnesses in attendance.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Pensions Board Hearings.
I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to the Referee and Advisory Committee and Board of Assessors appointed under the Military Service Pensions Acts who propose to continue the practice, where feasible, of going on circuit for the hearing of applications under these Acts. It is also intended, where possible, to give two weeks' notice to applicants of the time and place at which their applications will be heard.
Would the Minister consider the tribunal sitting as near as possible to the applicants' residences? In some cases in Donegal applicants were called a distance of 60 miles and had to travel the day before.
That is mainly a decision which has to be arrived at by the Referee and the board, but I will bring the Deputy's representations to the attention of the committee.
asked the Minister for Defence if he will state (a) when the Leitrim Old I.R.A. claimants for service certificates will be likely to be called for interview, and (b) if it is his intention that the board will operate in Leitrim for the purpose of hearing such claims.
It is not possible at this stage to state when claims for service certificates under the Military Service Pensions Acts by applicants residing in County Leitrim will be dealt with by the Referee and Advisory Committee and Board of Assessors, but sittings for the hearing of such cases will be arranged at the earliest opportunity. If it is considered feasible such hearing will be arranged for a centre in County Leitrim.