asked the Minister for Defence if he will introduce amending legislation to the Military Service Pensions Acts so that all members of the Volunteers who took part in the war of independence could be granted a pension commensurate with their service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Military Service Pensions Acts.
23.
The Military Service Pensions Acts, 1924-1960, already make provision for the grant of pensions commensurate with their service to all persons who rendered active service during the period 1916-1923. I do not propose, therefore, to introduce amending legislation to extend the scope of these Acts.
In view of the fact that there are only very few left of those who gave valuable service in the War of Independence, not necessarily in arms, surely it would be a fitting thing to give them some form of recognition?
Anybody who was a member of the Volunteers and who was not able to establish a claim to a pension has the opportunity of applying for a service medal which, under certain circumstances, would entitle him to a special allowance.
Some of these people are in desperately poor circumstances.
They are provided for.
They are not provided for.
The Minister mentioned those who had active service, but what about those who had not active service? If they were not active, it was the fault of the officers.
The Deputy is not asking a question.
The officers got pensions even if they never saw a gun.