asked the Minister for Defence the reasons why a member of the Defence Forces (name supplied) was discharged from the Army.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Discharge.
85.
The man in question was discharged from the Army in accordance with Defence Force Regulations on the grounds that he was below Army physical standards.
Can the Minister be more specific and state exactly why this man was discharged from the Army?
It was on medical grounds.
What are the medical grounds.
We must be guided by medical opinion in cases such as this and in the best interests of the military and, indeed, of the individual himself it was decided that he should be discharged.
Is the Minister aware that the man in question had 15 years' Army service; that he was never a day sick in his life; that on the 6th March, 1970, he got an A1 certificate in Limerick and on the following day he got an A1 certificate from a leading psychiatrist in Limerick that he was psychologically and mentally fit? Is the Minister aware that this man has All Ireland medals in athletics, that he is perfectly physically fit and that he has been discharged from the Army because of the fact that he was the victim of a grave miscarriage of justice at a courtmartial one and a half years ago? He was acquitted at the courtmartial but his superior officers never forgave him and they have made life a misery for him and he has been thrown out to save somebody's skin. It is a grave injustice. Would the Minister undertake to examine this situation again?
I would not wish to make the Deputy a false promise. I have looked into this case personally and sympathetically and our action was taken in the best interests of the individual and the military as well. We have given it very fair and sympathetic consideration.
May I ask the Minister whether he has got this document, which a number of us have got, from the man in question where he has put the case in actual print, step by step? If the Minister has not got it we will gladly supply him with it. If this is true it is a fantastic case.
That is the point — if it is true.
Of course, I cannot say it is true but I think it justifies very close examination by the Minister personally.
I am sure the Deputies will recognise and acknowledge that personally I have no axe to grind.
I appreciate that.
I accept that.
The Minister is not supposed to have an axe to grind. That is an important point.
This action was taken in the very best interests of the individual and of the military as well and the conclusion arrived at was that he was not medically fit to be retained in the force. If I could be convinced that he was——
This is a question which concerns a man, his wife and three children. I appreciate the manner in which the Minister approached this when I discussed it with him privately but I respectfully submit that it is my considered opinion, and I have spent hours examining it, that this man is the victim of a grave injustice and I would ask the Minister again to go into this case fully. While I appreciate the Minister's sympathy, sympathy is no good to that poor man who is waiting for me now in the waiting room with his wife. He is only about 40 years of age with 15 years excellent Army service. He was promoted from the ranks, did technical courses and was in the Army Corps of Engineers. It is a very serious reflection on the Army if there is not a place for this man who, a few months ago was pronounced physically, psychologically and mentally fit. Surely there is a place in the Army for him?
I do not want to leave the Deputy in a false position or under a false impression.
Would the Minister look into it again?
That is just about what I will do.