asked the Taoiseach if he has received representations from the responsible officers who led the I.R.A. in West Cork, pointing out that widespread dissatisfaction prevails in that area owing to the decisions in many cases, asking why the recognised active service officers were not called by the Referee and Pensions Board, and further asking if the Taoiseach will take steps to set up a tribunal of High Court judges to decide whether the administration of the military service pensions is in accordance with the Act; and whether the Taoiseach will indicate what action he intends to take in face of such representations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Military Service Pensions.
asked the Taoiseach whether he has received a resolution from the Old I.R.A. Men's Association of West Cork, passed at a meeting held in Bandon on August 30th, 1942, to the effect that the responsible officers who led the I.R.A in active service in West Cork are completely satisfied that the awards and rejections of claims for military service pensions are in many cases grossly unjust, and asking him to set up immediately a tribunal of High Court judges to decide as to whether the administration of the military service pensions is in accordance with the Act; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter.
I propose to take Nos. 1 and 2 together. I have received the representations referred to in the questions. As regards the area mentioned, I am informed that the verifying officers were nominated by the brigade committee, who in turn were nominated by the principal ex-officers of the brigade area. I am also informed that one of these latter officers was summoned to the initial meeting of the brigade and battalion officers, but did not attend.
I should like to explain that the referee and advisory committee were appointed to discharge certain statutory functions imposed on them by the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934, and that in their administration of the Act they could only operate on the evidence submitted to them. I am satisfied that all awards made were on the basis of such evidence, that all reasonable care was taken to safeguard the interests of the various parties concerned, and to ensure that every claimant was dealt with justly and in accordance with the spirit of the Act. It is not proposed accordingly to set up a tribunal on the lines suggested.
As regards persons whose claims were rejected, or in whose cases the awards are considered to be inadequate, their claims were, I repeat, determined on the basis of the evidence submitted. They can, of course, be reconsidered if additional evidence not previously available is produced and submitted to the Minister for Defence.
Mr. Byrne
Is the Minister aware that military service pensions are taken, into consideration when people apply for the old age pension?
That is a separate question. The question under reply deals with County Cork.