asked the Minister for Defence if, owing to the poverty existing amongst Old I.R.A. men in County Meath, and the high cost of travelling to Dublin to appear before the Pensions Board, he will make Navan, County Meath, a centre at which applicants' claims could be considered.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath I.R.A. Men's Claims.
The answer is in the negative.
asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that Patrick Clarke, Doon, Moynalty, County Meath, who was called before the Military Service Pensions Board over a year ago was unable to attend owing to the dangerous state of his health, and if he is aware that responsible officers of the Old I.R.A. appealed to the Pensions Board to have his case treated as urgent without effect; if he is aware that this applicant since died in poverty and want, because he was unable to procure the necessary medical attention and nourishment, and if in the light of those facts he will treat as urgent, any appeals from responsible officers of the Old I.R.A. in cases of urgency of this kind in the future.
I am aware that representations were made to the Referee to the effect that this applicant was unable to attend personally to give evidence in connection with his claim for a service pension. In consequence the Referee agreed to accept evidence tendered on the applicant's behalf by local officers. I regret that it was not possible to arrange sooner for the verification of the service claimed as owing to the delay in getting records from County Meath no pensions have as yet been awarded in this area.