asked the Minister for Defence if he has received representations from the Associated Easter Week Men, together with a petition signed by a number of Deputies, including 57 members of the Fianna Fáil Party, requesting that similar treatment be given them to that already provided for certain members of the National Forces and Defence Forces of the Saorstát under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1924, and if he will now state what action, if any, he proposes to take concerning same.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Military Service Pensions.
The representations and the petition referred to have been received. As the Deputy is aware, provision was made in the Army Pensions Act, 1932, for pensions and gratuities to persons disabled as a result of service in the struggle for Independence in 1916 and subsequent years, and to the dependents of those who lost their lives. A further measure to provide allowances for other survivors of the struggle whose incomes are below certain limits is in preparation, and it is expected to be ready for introduction in the autumn.
It would not, however, be possible, without overstraining the resources of the State, to grant pensions on the scale suggested in the representations received from the Associated Easter Week Men.
Considering that some of these people are very badly off will the Minister state when he hopes to be in a position to produce some measure dealing with the matter?
It would not be possible before the autumn.