asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that many men who joined the National Army and passed the doctor as fit men, are now being discharged "medically unfit" without gratuity or pension; if he is aware that the words "medically unfit" on their discharge papers now debar the owners of employment, employers stating they don't want medically unfit men; if he will take steps to have such certificates altered in such a way that they will not debar the men referred to from earning their living.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - SOLDIERS DISCHARGED AS “MEDICALLY UNFIT.”
I am aware that men were passed into the Army in the past as being fit who were regarded as being fit only for service in a temporary force, usually for a period of six months, that force being required to meet an emergency. On their seeking discharge or re-attestation it has been the rule to examine them medically. Many of the men have in consequence been declared unfit. This merely meant that they were unable to comply with the higher physical standard now required to be fulfilled by recruits for longer service.
I regret that the use of the words "medically unfit" on discharge papers should have placed any of these men at a disadvantage when seeking employment. I am therefore having the practice reconsidered. I should be glad to have particulars of any cases that Deputies put to me, or which may be raised by the men, with a view to removing any grievances.