asked the Minister for Defence the total number of medals issued to individuals who produced evidence of membership of appropriate organisations during the period 1st April, 1921, to 11th July, 1921, the number of such medals issued during the past ten years, and the number issued during the past five years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pre-Truce Service Medals.
31.
The specific information requested by the Deputy is as follows:—
|
Total number issued |
43,326 |
|
Number issued during past ten years |
11,447 |
|
Number issued during past five years |
5,036 |
32.
asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that on the 28th October, 1945, Patrick James McGlinchey, Monellan, Killygordon, County Donegal, was granted a service medal (1917-1921) but that, in view of the fact that his then commanding officer, Commandant Edmond McBrearty, is now deceased, the medal has been withdrawn; and, if so, if he will state the reason why it has been held that Mr. McGlinchey has failed to establish his membership of the IRA during the critical three months ending 11th July, 1921.
Mr. McGlinchey's eligibility for the medal which was issued to him on 28th September, 1945, was re-investigated following receipt from him in August, 1961, of an application for a special allowance under the Army Pensions Acts. The re-investigation did not establish that he had continuous membership of Óglaigh na hÉireann (Irish Republican Army) or kindred organisation during the three months which ended on 11th July, 1921. I ceased to be satisfied, therefore, that the medal had been duly awarded to him.