asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that an old IRA man who is in receipt of a 100 per cent. disability pension under section 29 of the Army Pensions Act, 1937, and who now requires a new artificial leg at a cost of £130, receives no grant towards this expense; and if he will take steps to amend the law so as to make grants available in all such cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grant to IRA Pensioner.
47.
A pensioner under the Army Pensions Acts whose disablement is attributable to service may be supplied with such surgical and medical appliances as his case may require. Pensions granted under Section 29 of the Army Pensions Act, 1937, are not, however, in respect of disablement attributable to service but are in respect of disablement aggravated, excited or accelerated by service. Such pensions do not carry entitlement to surgical and medical appliances. An amendment of the Acts to enable appliances to be provided in such cases is not contemplated.
When I raised this question on the last occasion, the Minister was surprised when I told him—at least according to the Dáil Report. I was to let him know of cases. I am letting him know of the case of a man with 100 per cent. disability, a man who suffered the loss of a leg. He requires a new leg costing £130. Surely to goodness, the Minister will consider the matter again?
As I told the Deputy, the law, as it stands, does not permit my making a grant in this case for the purpose mentioned.
I am asking the Minister to consider the matter again.
I might say that the case which the Deputy has in mind is one in which a 100 per cent. aggravation pension of £230 a year is paid, together with a married pension of 13s 9d. per week.
That would not enable him to buy a leg.