asked the Minister for Defence what benefits are being given to Old IRA veterans under the last Budget; and if all holders of service medals are included in these benefits.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Budget Benefits for Old IRA Veterans.
49.
In accordance with the budgetary statement of the Minister for Finance, military service pensions and disability pensions relating to the War of Independence period will be increased by 5 per cent from 1st August, 1968, and there will be an increase in the "appropriate annual sums" for special allowance purposes from the same date. The benefits of the existing free electricity and travel schemes and the proposed free television and radio licence scheme for old age pensioners are also being made available to the following persons who served in the War of Independence:—
(a) military service pensioners;
(b) disability pensioners whose disability relates to the pre-Truce period;
(c) persons in receipt of special allowances;
(d) holders of the 1961 Medal, the Service (1917-1921) Medal with Bar or a "duly awarded" Service (1917-1921) Medal without Bar.
Details of the schemes were advertised in the public press today.
The Minister is no doubt aware of a case in Donegal where a person left the British Army to come home and join in the Fight for Independence and, quite recently, because he served in the British Army, his widow received an increase in pension, with the result that the Department of Social Welfare has withdrawn the pension payable to her in respect of her qualifications?
That is a matter for the Department of Social Welfare.
Could the Minister say if all medal holders will qualify?
All "duly awarded" medal holders will qualify. That does not include all medal holders. The Deputy and the House are aware that certain changes were made in the pattern of investigation of applications for medals in 1957 and certain rules were laid down by the Government which I have to follow. I have given particulars in the House already. If the Deputy wants these particulars, I will send them to him. The medal is awarded on that basis now. There were medals awarded prior to that date that are held not to be "duly awarded" under the new pattern of investigation.
Do you take them off after by-elections?
No.
If persons apply for these free services and are refused, does it follow that they will also forfeit the medal?
No.
Will the Minister say if all those in receipt of disability allowances, no matter how small, will receive the services? I assume that is so.
Any person in receipt of a special allowance, big or small, is entitled.
Is it not correct to say that they will not, unless they are living alone or are dependent?
Do the same conditions apply as to the old age pension?
The same conditions apply as to the old age pension.
Will the Minister not have another look at the means test?
I am glad to see that the Deputy's representations have been successful.
Deputy Healy put down the question at the request of the Minister.
That is not so. Deputy Healy put down the question last week and not at my behest.
It is all right. It is just a stupid remark by a backbencher.
The Minister has a notice in the newspaper today about it.
That is right.