asked the Minister for Defence the categories of persons who are eligible to make application for a special allowance under the Army Pensions Acts.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Special Allowances.
8.
The categories of persons eligible to apply for special allowances under the Army Pensions Acts are as follows: Persons who were granted (a) a certificate of military service under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1924, or a service certificate under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934, in respect of service during any part of the period which commenced on 23rd day of April, 1916, and ended on the 11th day of July, 1921, (b) a wound or disability pension under the Army Pensions Acts in respect of a wound received or a disability contracted in the said period, (c) a medal in respect of service during any part of the week which commenced on 23rd day of April, 1916, (d) a medal in respect of continuous membership of Óglaigh na hÉireann (Old IRA) or kindred organisation during the period of three months which ended on the 11th day of July, 1921, if the Minister for Defence is satisfied that it was duly awarded, (e) a service, wound or disability pension, or gratuity under the Connaught Rangers (Pensions) Acts.
Is there any age limit whereby pre-Truce military service medals could be granted as at 11th July, 1921?
There is no age limit incorporated either in the Act or in the regulations.
Is the Minister aware that people who were 15 years of age or under on 11th July, 1921, are the holders of pre-Truce military service medals?
I presume the Deputy is aware that service (1917-21) medals may be awarded to ex-members of Fianna Éireann and that eligibility for membership of Fianna Éireann was as low as 12 years?
They would be entitled to a disability allowance?
If they were certified members of that organisation on 11th July, 1921, and for three months prior to that date, they are entitled to apply for and get a medal.