asked the Minister for Defence whether he will state on what grounds the application of ex-Lieutenant Frank Cassidy, late of Killaloe, and now residing in the United States, for a pension in respect of wounds received while serving with the National Army was rejected; and whether the case will be re-opened.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - WOUNDS PENSION FOR KILLALOE MAN.
Mr. Cassidy's application was rejected on the grounds that he was not found to be suffering from any disability due to service. All the circumstances of his case were carefully considered, and no useful purpose would be served by re-opening it.
Mr. MURPHY
Is the Minister aware that this man was wounded about seven times? I have in my possession at the moment certificates from the medical man who examined ex-Lieutenant Cassidy in the United States, and the certificates state that his hand is permanently injured. In view of the fact that there is corroboration of his statement that he is physically incapable of earning a living at the moment, does the Minister consider that that would be sufficient ground for examining this case again?
This man was examined and I received a report that he suffered from no disability.
Mr. MURPHY
If the Minister is supplied with an X-ray photograph of this man's injuries and with medical reports that he is suffering from these injuries at the present time and that his seven wounds are giving him trouble, will the Minister then not think that the man has been unjustly treated, accidentally or otherwise?
Well, of course, there is always the possibility of that, but as far as the evidence is concerned, what is the use of supplying me with an X-ray photograph which may be of an entirely different person?
Mr. MURPHY
Does the Minister think that with a certificate from a medical man showing that this man is suffering from injury at the present time, that that is not sufficient evidence for a re-opening of the case, considering the fact that ex-Lieutenant Cassidy's body was a mass of wounds originally —he was wounded seven times—and would it not be well to have another examination?
He was examined somewhere in 1927. Remember, a man is not able to go to America under the quota system unless the emigration authorities are satisfied that he is competent to earn a living. Under the 1927 Act, he requires to have 80 per cent. disability in order to qualify for a pension. If what the Deputy says is true, the man could not have gone to America.
Mr. MURPHY
I am not satisfied, but that a grave injustice has been done to this man, and I will take an early opportunity of raising the matter in the House.