asked the Minister for Defence if he will state why recipients of service medals are not eligible for pensions in view of the fact that their service to the nation in the War of Independence is recognised and admitted by the award of the medals, and if he will take steps, if necessary by introducing proposals for legislation, to remedy this disparity as soon as possible.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Military Service Pensions.
Unless a person is granted a certificate of military service under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1924, or a service certificate under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934, he cannot be granted a pension.
The service (1917-1921) medal without bar is issued to persons in respect of continuous membership of the Irish Republican Army, Fianna Éireann, Cumann na mBan and the Irish Citizen Army, during the three months ended on the 11th July, 1921, and without any condition as to the nature and extent of service. The medal without bar does not carry any entitlement to pension and it is not proposed that it should do so.