Vol. 408 No. 5
14 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Defence if he will confirm in respect of a former member of the Defence Forces (details supplied) (a) when he was discharged from duties and (b) the date of letter issued to him to that effect; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this person was attending a doctor prior to 1981 and that he is still under medical care; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned is still a member of the Defence Forces (An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil).
He was employed on full-time security duties from 1974 to 1987.
His employment on such duties was terminated on 30 November, 1987.
This case has been the subject of correspondence from myself and other people to the Minister and the Department and we have not got a satisfactory reply. The person concerned has not received any notification to the effect that he was being removed from the Defence Forces. Is the Minister aware that there was a court case following an assault on this man, by members of the Defence Forces, which he won and was clearly vindicated in the action he took? Is it because of the result of that court case he is now being penalised and is not receiving the pension to which he is entitled?
I do not wish to go into the background to that case here as I do not think it would be fair to the individual involved. If the Deputy presses me I will but I would much prefer to speak to him privately about it. I have the documentation and files with me and if the Deputy wishes I will discuss it with him without going into the particular circumstances in the House?
I will take up that offer.
Question No. 15 please.
