asked the Minister for Defence the number of applications for special service medals (Old I.R.A.) for each of the last three years; the number of applications which (1) were successful, (2) were rejected and (3) have not yet been considered; if applications were made from a number of Old Fianna members from the Dundalk area; and, if so, with what results.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Special Service Medals.
12.
The records in the Department are not kept in a manner which would enable me to furnish the Deputy with the information exactly as he has requested it. I trust, however, that the following statement will be sufficiently informative. The figures given are for the years ended 30/6/59, 30/6/60 and 30/6/61 respectively.
|
Total number of applications received |
744 |
1,103 |
923 |
|
Total number of applications successful |
1,601 |
906 |
642 |
|
Total number of applications refused |
455 |
436 |
266 |
The applications decided in any one of the above periods include a number which were received before the commencement of that period. It would not be practicable, except at the expense of time and effort, which would not be justified, to break down the totals so as to show how many of the applications which were decided were received during any one of the periods.
A number of requests for forms of application are being received recently from persons in the Dundalk area in respect of membership of Fianna Éireann. These cases are being dealt with as expeditiously as possible.
Could the Minister inform this House how many people have qualified now who failed to qualify in the years gone by?
That is a completely separate question.
I do not think so.
How could I give the Deputy that now?
I do not think it would be in the Minister's favour to give the figures.
13.
asked the Minister for Defence if he received communications from Mr. G. Hurley, 38A McCurtain's Buildings, College Road, Cork, Chairman, National Executive Old Fianna, concerning medals, etc.; and, if so, why Mr. Hurley received no reply.
Numerous communications have been received from the person referred to in the Deputy's question in relation to applications for the Service (1917-1921) Medal from applicants who claim to have served in Fianna Éireann continuously during the three months which ended on the 11th July, 1921. Replies are invariably sent to these communications. His latest letter is dated the 17th June, 1961 and it relates to 22 applicants. The material for reply is being compiled and a reply will be sent as soon as practicable.
A letter I received is dated the 21st June, 1961. I take it that there was a communication sent to him on that day.
The 17th.
Perhaps, it would not have reached him. Portion of the letter says: "I have written to the Minister several times about medal applications; lately I cannot get even a reply to my letters". Does the Minister say that is not correct?
He gets a reply to every letter. As I stated, his latest letter is dated the 17th June, 1961, and it relates to 22 applicants. The material for reply is being compiled and a reply will be sent as soon as practicable.