asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that an applicant (name supplied) was refused both an IRA pension and an ex-RIC pension despite the fact that his resignation from the RIC on national grounds and his later service with both the IRA and the Republican Police Force were well attested and witnessed by local IRA members; and if he will now re-investigate this case and take steps to grant a pension to this man.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Refusal of Pensions.
34.
The person to whom the Deputy refers applied for a service certificate under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934. The Referee 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 re-considered on petition under the Military Service Pensions (Amendment) Act, 1949, and the Referee confirmed his original finding.
The report of the Referee is final, conclusive and binding and I have no discretionary power under which I could authorise the re-investigation of the case.
I have no function with regard to ex-RIC pensions, which are a matter for the Minister for Finance.
Was it the same man who determined the case in the first instance who also determined the subsequent reconsideration?
I am unable to say whether or not it was the same person, but it might have been.