asked the Minister for Defence whether, in view of the dissatisfaction which exists amongst many of the unsuccessful applicants for I.R.A. and Cumann na mBan pensions under the relevant Acts, he will review the evidence of rejected claimants and, if necessary, introduce amending legislation to give pensions to applicants whose records show at least borderline merit with the records of those already in receipt of pensions, but who for technical reasons or otherwise have not had their applications granted.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Review of Pension Claimants' Evidence.
Mr. Maguire
As the Military Service Pensions Acts now stand I have no statutory power to request the Referee to review the report issued by him in any case.
I am, however, examining the position with a view to seeing what amendments, if any, to these Acts are necessary.
If additional evidence is produced, is there not an obligation under the Act to have cases reviewed?
That was the position, but Section 5 of the Act of 1945 removed that power. There is no power at the present moment to re-open any of those cases.
Is the Minister aware of the system of certification that was put into operation in connection with the granting of pensions and the peculiar victimisation that was exercised with regard to some people?
I am not conversant with the procedure or the form of certification in any individual case.
In view of the very great hardship which survivors of Casement's Irish Brigade are suffering, will the Minister consider the advisability of reviewing those cases with the object of having them included?
Cases such as the ones the Deputy mentions will be included in the review.