asked the Minister for Defence, with reference to a member of An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil (name supplied) who was detained in sick bay at Gormanston camp from 26th to 30th June, 1962, why he was discharged home in an unfit condition on 30th June without having been X-rayed or treated for a broken rib and slipped disc; if he is aware that the member in question was subsequently hospitalised for over two months, and has been charged £46 1s. 4d. in respect of such hospitalisation and if he will now have compensation paid to the member concerned in respect of the loss suffered by him (a) in paying for medical attention and (b) in wages.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Compensation for FCA Member.
60.
Mr. Ryan
The member referred to reported sick at Gormanston Camp on 26th June, 1961—not 1962—and from that date until 29th June, 1961, he was treated by the Camp medical officer for muscular strain. He did not report having sustained any injury in the course of his training or otherwise, and I may say at this point that exhaustive investigations have failed to establish that he received any injury in the course of his training. Apparently, in the few days during which he was being treated, an X-ray was not thought necessary. He did not report for treatment on 30th June, 1961, the last day of his training. I cannot, therefore, accept the unfavourable implications of the Deputy's statement that the member was discharged in an unfit condition.
Compensation is payable to members of An Fóras Cosanta Áitiúil only if they are injured in the course of training. In the absence of any evidence that he was injured in such circumstances, I regret that it is not possible to grant the member compensation or an allowance in respect of loss of wages, and that his medical expenses cannot be met by my Department.