asked the Minister for Defence if the families and victims of the Glen of Imaal explosion have been fully compensated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Glen of Imaal Explosion Compensation.
17.
All claims made under the Army Pensions Acts have been met. This entails payment of allowances to two widows and their children and a disability pension to one of the injured. Gratuities of one year's pay due under the Defence Forces (Pensions) Schemes have been paid to the next-of-kin of all five men who were killed.
Additional claims for compensation were made by two of the personnel who were injured and by the next-of-kin of four of those who were killed. Settlements have been made, so far, in three of these cases. The Chief State Solicitor has been in communication with the solicitors involved in the remaining cases with a view to finalising the claims.
Is the Minister aware of great resentment in parts of Cork because of the Department's attitude concerning offers of compensation made?
I am not so aware. There are two matters involved. There are pensions with Army involvement which have been fixed and paid and then there are civil awards which could arise in some cases as a result of agreement and in other cases as a result of settlement in court. I am not aware of any feelings of animosity towards the Department.
Is the Minister aware that the Defence Forces discharged one of the victims who was not completely recovered from his injuries? Is it policy to discharge members without treating them fully?
I am not so aware. Two of those injured are still serving. They may not claim disability pensions until after they are discharged. I am not aware of the case the Deputy has brought to my notice.
It is on record——
A question, Deputy, please.
Is the Minister aware that one member applied for an extension of service and was refused? He has now to have private treatment and he has not been compensated.
I do not have that information. A sergeant was discharged. He got his gratuity and was awarded a disability pension. I am not that anxious to deal with individual cases. However, if the Deputy has a particular case——
The reason I brought this up is that I cannot get satisfaction from the Department. I asked the Minister to investigate the treatment given to a particular member. It was disgraceful and is something similar to the conditions soldiers have to put up with.
If the Deputy brings the case to my notice I will have it investigated.