asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware of the deep resentment being caused by the refusal of his Department to accept certification by old IRA brigade officers and members of service by applicants for medals, travel, special allowances and other veterans' concessions; why such certification is refused; and if he will now take remedial action in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Certification of Old IRA Service.
121.
Under the pattern of investigation of entitlement to the Service (1917-1921) Medal laid down by the Government in 1957, reports are sought in each case from all available persons who are recorded as having been, for the three months which ended on the 11th July, 1921, officers of the company and battalion of which the applicant claims to have been a member. Reports are not ordinarily sought from brigade officers, except where an applicant claims to have held battalion rank, because brigade officers could not be expected to have personal knowledge of the activities of volunteer members. Where, however, certificates from brigade officers are submitted on behalf of an applicant, they are taken into account, together with all other available evidence, when a decision is being taken in regard to the claim.