asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that in 1951 a service medal (1917-1921) was issued to James McConnell (D.P. 34928) of Monellan, Killygordon, County Donegal, and that Mr. McConnell was informed on 20th December, 1961, that it was not established that the medal had been duly awarded; and, if so, if he will explain on what grounds the later finding has been arrived at.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Award of Service Medal.
115.
Mr. McConnell's eligibility for the medal which issued to him in 1951 was reinvestigated following the receipt from him, in July, 1961, of an application for a special allowance under the Army Pensions Acts. The reinvestigation did not establish that he had continuous membership of Óglaigh na hÉireann (Irish Republican Army) or kindred organisation during the three months which ended on the 11th July, 1921. I ceased to be satisfied, therefore, that the medal had been duly awarded to him.
Does it now appear that medals were being awarded without due investigation into the right of the applicant to receive them and, further, is the Minister suggesting that this medal was received under false pretences?
I do not know that that has been established. Because of the introduction of the special allowances a further investigation of entitlement to a medal was undertaken and in many cases arising out of that second investigation entitlement was not established. That is all that is in this case.
Does the Minister appreciate that he is now suggesting that medals were indiscriminately granted and that it is only when money is involved that special investigations are instituted to find out whether there is entitlement or other means?
The number of cases such as it is would not justify the use of the word "indiscriminately" by any means.
It is a fact that some persons got medals who were not entitled to them. One pal vouched for another pal.
You scratch my back and I will scratch yours.
It is only when it comes to money that justification is found for a second examination.
That does not arise.