asked the Minister for Defence if a decision has yet been reached in regard to the claims of members of the Old I.R.A. for improvements in their inadequate pensions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old I.R.A. Pensions.
Mr. Byrne
asked the Minister for Defence if he will now state when he intends to introduce proposals for legislation to increase I.R.A. military service pensions.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 29 together.
A decision has not yet been reached as regards increasing the pensions of the Old I.R.A. and, accordingly, I am not in a position to say if legislation will or will not be introduced to have such pensions increased.
Mr. Byrne
Is the Minister aware that it is nearly 12 months since he gave a similar answer, and in view of the increase in the cost of living and the hardships which the men have now to bear through not having sufficient money to buy the foodstuffs necessary, that increase being brought about by the vicious Budget of his colleague, will he not speed up legislation giving an increase in pension to the Old I.R.A., of which the Minister was a very honoured member?
I am aware that the Deputy did put down a number of questions on this subject since we came back to office, but I am also aware that for three and a half years, during which he was supporting the Coalition Government and its policy, he did not put down a single question on this subject.
Mr. Byrne
The Minister must be aware that nearly every member of the House got an official document from the I.R.A. Association within the last six months and that they were pressed several times to raise the matter in the House. That is the reason why I am pressing it—because I was asked to do so.
I appreciate what the Minister states but I think that the time is opportune for the Minister to review the question and give increased pensions to these men. I do not want to make a speech—I will not be allowed to do so——
——but the Old I.R.A. are people who in this State should have a pension.
That is appreciated.
Is it not true that the Coalition Government opened the door for the Old I.R.A.?