asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that there are a number of Old I.R.A. men suffering from disease attributable to service but whose degree of disablement is only slightly less than the figures of 80 per cent. and 50 per cent. required by the Military Service Pensions Acts, 1932 and 1937, to qualify them for higher pensions; and whether, in view of their advancing age and the increasing illness suffered by these men arising from their services to the nation, he will now take steps to afford them a final opportunity of examination by the Pensions Board with a view to qualifying for the award of pensions at a higher rate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old I.R.A. Men.
The time limit for medical re-examination in cases such as those referred to in the Deputy's question expired on the 1st July, 1938, and I do not propose to introduce legislation with a view to extending that date.
I would direct the Deputy's attention to the fact that since the expiration of that time limit provision has been made under Section 7 of the Army Pensions Act, 1943, and Section 14 of the Act of 1946, for the grant of special allowances to ex-members of Oglaighna-h-Eireann who were duly awarded a medal for three months' continuous service prior to the 11th July, 1921, and who are incapable of self-support by reason of age or permanent infirmity.