asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that persons residing in the Six Counties in receipt of disability pensions are required to present themselves for medical examination periodically before British army medical officers; and, if so, whether he has approved of this practice.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Six County Disability Pensioners
I am not aware that applicants for disability pensions residing in the Six Counties have been examined by British Army medical officers. Of 24 special allowance applicants in the Six Counties, two have been examined by civilian doctors by arrangement with the British Ministry of Pensions.
Is the Minister making a distinction between applicants for disability pensions and actual recipients who have to appear periodically for these check-up examinations?
These are persons who had to undergo a medical examination. I could not differentiate between the categories.
Perhaps the Minister does not understand me. Is it not a fact that every 12 months, when the pension is to be reviewed, these recipients have to present themselves before a medical officer for a medical examination to assess their degree of disability?
If the necessity should arise that a particular applicant cannot appear in this territory of ours, then arrangements are made to have the examination undertaken in the manner in which it is.
Well, it is hardly desirable that these 1916 men and 1921 men should have to present themselves before a British Army medical officer.
They have not. I am not going to let the Deputy get away with that. I have stated clearly that they are not being examined by British Army medical officers. They are examined by medical men in the Six Counties.
That is all right.
That is all there is to it.