asked the Minister for Defence if he proposes to give before Christmas the results of his consideration of claims of the Old I.R.A. for an increase in the present inadequate pensions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old I.R.A. Pension Increases.
Mr. Byrne
As I have already stated, in reply to a recent similar question by the Deputy, this matter is being examined, but I am not yet in a position to say what the result of that examination may be or when it will be available.
Mr. Byrne
Is the Minister aware that it is over three months since he promised he would have the matter examined? His delay in doing so is causing grave dissatisfaction amongst some of his own former colleagues who served the country well in the past and who are at present suffering hardship. Will he give some definite reply before the House adjourns next week?
I can say to the Deputy that I have the interests of these men at heart just as much as he has.
Mr. Byrne
Surely, after three months' consideration, he ought to have his mind made up in relation to giving these men an increase. Three months is a long time.
Mr. Byrne
asked the Minister for Defence if he will state whether, in view of the substantial increase in the cost of living, he will take immediate steps to increase the amount of the special allowances granted to I.R.A. men and former members of Cumann na mBan under the Army Pensions Acts, as these recipients, who have been proved to be incapable of self-support, are unable to provide food, clothing, footwear, rent and fuel out of their present inadequate allowances and are suffering great hardship at the present time.
It is not proposed to introduce legislation with a view to increasing the special allowances granted under the Army Pensions Acts to the persons referred to in the Deputy's question.
Mr. Byrne
The Minister has had three months to consider this matter and has done nothing about it. I think he is aware that hardships are being borne by the men who served the country in the past and who are now between 60 and 70 years of age. Is it fair that the country should do nothing for them instead of showing gratitude to them?
Would the Minister not consider the position in regard to the 1916 men, who are a small and ageing group? They are undergoing in some cases very grave hardships at the moment. Would the Minister not consider their case separately and give some increase in the near future in their pensions?
Both the Taoiseach and myself have recently met a deputation of the men referred to and that matter is being considered.