asked the Minister for External Affairs whether any progress has been made towards securing payment of British post-war credits to Irish citizens who are incapacitated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British Post-War Credits.
50.
Persons resident in Ireland can in general obtain repayment of their British Post-War Credits on exactly the same terms as British residents. However, where repayment is claimed on one of a certain number of grounds of hardship, which are defined by reference to classifications in use for the British social services, the claim has to be supported by a certificate from the appropriate authority in Britain.
I instructed our Embassy in London to urge the British authorities to agree to make repayment to Irish residents satisfying corresponding conditions of hardship in this country. I have been informed, however, that those authorities regret that for practical reasons they are unable to entertain claims on grounds of hardship from persons resident outside Britain, except in cases where the applicants are in receipt of benefits from British sources, when, of course, the required certificate from a British authority can be given.
In view of the fact that these people, now disabled, gave service to Britain when she needed it, would the Minister consider making further and stronger representations on this matter to the British Government?
This rule of the British applies to all residents outside Britain. Except those resident in Britain, all claimants are subject to the same disability as our people here.