Vol. 545 No. 5
114 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Defence the reason only six years' arrears of pension were paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork under the compensation for personal injuries Acts; if the State accepts liability for hospital bills incurred by the person arising from his injuries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31036/01]
I explained the background to this case in my reply to the Deputy's Question No. 210 on 13 November 2001. As I said then, the person in question was medically examined by the Army Pensions Board in August 2001 following which an award of periodic compensation was made to him in accordance with the terms of the relevant compensation scheme. In recognition of the unusual circumstances of the case, it was decided as a concession to backdate the award for six years. Regarding hospital bills, I understand that this aspect refers to the sum of £215 in respect of the cost of the maintenance and treatment of the person in a military hospital as a result of the accident in 1955. At the time, my Department sought to recover this sum from the individual, but, in the context of the recent consideration of his case, it was decided not to pursue this aspect of the matter.
