asked the Minister for Defence whether his attention has been drawn to circulars from Old I.R.A. organisations throughout the country, asserting that men who gave unquestionable national service have been rejected by the Military Service Pensions Board as persons to whom the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934, does not apply; and, if so, if he will state whether it is his intention to introduce proposals for amending legislation so that a wider interpretation will be given to the term "active service".
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Military Service Pensions.
I am aware that circulars have been issued by certain organisations in regard to applicants under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934, whose claims were rejected on the grounds that they were not persons to whom the Act is applicable. I would point out, however, to the Deputy, that every application was carefully considered by the referee, who takes into consideration not only the evidence put forward by the applicant, but also any evidence put forward by responsible verifying officers. I do not propose, therefore, to introduce amending legislation on the lines suggested by the Deputy.
Is the Minister aware that an application by, at least, one verifying officer in the Dublin Brigade area has been rejected by the board on the ground that he is a person to whom the Act does not apply and can he explain that?
It happened elsewhere, too.