asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been directed to the statement issued by the Enniscorthy 1916 Men's Association concerning their applications for pensions; whether he is aware that the association asserts that the vast majority of the claimants from Enniscorthy were informed on Form R/30 that they are not persons to whom the Act applies; and whether having regard to the participation of very many of these men in the Rising of Easter Week, he will take steps to have the whole question affecting their applications reviewed at an early date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Military Service Pensions Claims.
My attention has been directed to a statement issued in March, 1941, by the Enniscorthy branch, Cumann Oglaigh na Casga, 1916, regarding the claims of members of the cumann under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934. I am aware that a number of these claims have been rejected on the grounds that the applicants are not persons to whom the Act applies. I am aware also that in a number of other cases the referee has informed the applicants concerned of his findings that they are not persons to whom the Act applies, and that appeals lodged in these cases are still under investigation by the referee.
I am satisfied that the referee has given full consideration to all applications from the Enniscorthy area and, as the findings of the referee are final, conclusive and binding, I have no power under the terms of the Act to vary his decisions.
In view of the dissatisfaction which prevails amongst a large section of the people of Enniscorthy, in consequence of genuine claimants being turned down, will the Minister take any steps to provide facilities for further appeal by these people?
I cannot take any further steps in regard to cases which have been decided.
Even though they are wrong.
asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that the claim of Mr. Michael McGuire, Enniscorthy, for a pension under the Military Service Pensions Act has been refused; whether he is aware that the claimant served with the Volunteers in Enniscorthy during Easter Week, that he had service for a considerable period with the I.R.A. during the Black and Tan War, and was a member of a column operating in County Wexford during the period of that struggle, and whether in these circumstances he will state the grounds on which his claim to a pension was refused.
A claim was received from a Mr. Michael Maguire, 12 St. John's Street, Enniscorthy, under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934, but on investigation it was found that he had service in the National Army during the period from the 1st July, 1922, to the 30th September, 1923, and the referee reported accordingly to me that applicant was not a person to whom the 1934 Act applied — the Act of 1924 being applicable in the case.
asked the Minister for Defence if he will state whether he is aware that the claim of Mr. Patrick Walsh, St. Aidan's Villas, Enniscorthy, for a military service pension under the Military Service Pensions Act has been refused; whether he is aware that the claimant was a member of the Volunteers from 1913; that he took part in the several activities of the I.R.A. up to April, 1916; was mobilised on Easter Sunday, 1916, and was wounded during the subsequent week; and whether in these circumstances he will indicate the grounds on which the claim was refused.
In the case of the application made under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934, by Mr. Patrick Walsh, St. Aidan's Villas, Irish Street, Enniscorthy, the finding of the referee is that on the evidence before him, Mr. Walsh is not a person to whom the Act applies and he was informed accordingly. Mr. Walsh lodged an appeal for revision of the finding, but the referee has not yet completed his investigations in the matter.
Has the Minister any idea as to when the referee will give his decision?
In a very short time now.
asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the names of the several persons in County Sligo to whom pensions have been awarded under the Military Service Pensions Acts and the amount of the pension in each case.
Lists of persons at present resident in County Sligo to whom pensions have been awarded under the Military Service Pensions Acts, showing the amount of pension in each case, are being prepared and will be forwarded to the Deputy in the course of a few days.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply to question No. 15, I propose, with your permission, Sir, to raise the matter on the adjournment.