asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that ex-Sergeant James Mulcahy, at present residing at 23 Bolton Street, Dublin, who joined the Army (Army Medical Corps) on the 19th April, 1922, was invalided therefrom suffering from tuberculosis of the lungs, on the 2nd October, 1925; that in November, 1922, this man was in Shankhill Hospital, Cork, for ten days, and was treated for chest trouble and a severe cough, brought on by wettings, and for three weeks in St. Bricin's Hospital in March, 1923, for chest trouble; and whether, in view of these facts, it is intended to entertain his claim for a pension or gratuity in respect of his disability, and if not, if he will state the reasons why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Claim for Army Pension.
I am aware that ex-Sergeant James Mulcahy was discharged from the Army in the circumstances stated by the Deputy. There is no record of his having received treatment in military hospitals in November, 1922, and March, 1923. His application for pension was considered by the Army Pensions Board, who found that the disability from which he suffered was not attributable to Army service, within the statutory period from the 1st April, 1922, to the 30th September, 1924. An award could not, therefore, be made to him. If the applicant has omitted to furnish any material evidence, his case can be re-considered on production of that evidence.
If this man can prove that he was invalided twice during his period of service, would the Minister consider that that is evidence which might have a bearing on his case?
If there is any additional evidence I shall be happy to receive it. So far as I remember, the applicant in making his application stated that disability first manifested itself at the Curragh in 1925 after the expiry of the statutory period.