asked the Minister for Defence if he has received a memorandum prepared by the Old I.R.A. Pensions Committee, Mansion House, Dublin, in regard to claims of the Old I.R.A.; whether he will state if he has arrived at any decision concerning the claims; and, if so, if he will announce his proposals for the remedying of the grievances of these men.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old I.R.A. Pensions.
Mr. Byrne
I have received the memorandum in question. The proposals contained therein are under consideration, but until a Government decision in the matter has been reached, I am not in a position to say if legislation will or will not be introduced to meet these claims.
Mr. Byrne
Can the Minister say when he expects the Government will reach a decision on this matter? The applications have been in now for the last couple of years.
I could not give any specific date. The matter is being dealt with as expeditiously as possible.