asked the Minister for Defence why a military service pension or other assistance from the State has been refused to a person (name supplied) in view of the fact that he resigned from the RIC in 1916 and joined the IRA and spent a number of years organising and training the IRA in Tipperary; and if in view of the present poor circumstances of the man in question he will take steps, including the introduction of amending legislation if necessary, to have some assistance given to him.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - State Assistance for ex-I.R.A. Member.
81.
Mr. Ryan
The person to whom the Deputy refers applied for a service certificate under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934. The Referee, to whom the application was referred, reported that the applicant was not a person to whom the Act applied. A service certificate, which would qualify him for the award of a military service pension, could not, therefore, be granted. The case was subsequently examined on review, as well as on petition under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1949, but in each instance the original finding of the Referee was confirmed.
The person in question is ineligible to be considered for the award of a special allowance, not being the holder of a Service (1917-1921) Medal duly awarded in respect of continuous membership of Óglaigh na hÉireann or kindred organisation during the period of three months ended on the 11th July, 1921. He emigrated to the United States of America in 1920 and did not return to Ireland until 1925 or 1926.
It is not considered that the case calls for, or would justify, amending legislation.