Yesterday I gave the names of several members of the Old IRA, mentioned their circumstances, who had all failed to get an allowance from the Department. I could give many more names, if I could just think of them, of people equally deserving of pensions. Since I became a Deputy, I have received continuous correspondence from those people who are very disappointed that at this stage of their lives, they should be deprived of a small pension for the services they gave to this country. Recently I met an aged man who lived near the town of Drumshambo, in Leitrim. He was beaten by the Black and Tans and got away with his life only by God's Providence. When he applied for a pension, he was turned down. Surely at this stage of his life he must be disappointed that he did not get a pension.
Yesterday when I left the Dáil, I received a letter from the Department of Defence in regard to an application by Michael Kerrigan of Fivemilebourne for a special allowance. The letter stated that he should apply for an application form and when he completed and returned it, his case would be dealt with as quickly as possible. He is an applicant who underwent an operation in Dublin in 1922. The operation was a failure, and he was sent home a semi-invalid, although he had been called to join the Garda Síochána. A few years ago, he applied for an allowance. It was refused. Owing to the poor circumstances in which he finds himself, he tried again and now he is invited to renew his application. It would appear that this man will be dead and gone before he gets an allowance. That is a sad reflection on the administration of today. The genuine cases should get every consideration and should be awarded a pension, big or small.
I would also suggest that the pension should not be included in the assessment of means for the purposes of the old age pension. A military service pension or allowance is given as a reward for services and in view of loss of health as a result of Old IRA activities. It is too bad that such pension or allowance should be used against these people when they apply for an old age pension on reaching 70 years of age.
The number of veterans is diminishing. Every day we read of the death of one of them in the daily papers. The usual military honours are accorded, except in a few cases such as Deputy O'Donnell mentioned yesterday evening. I suppose there are men who, while they may have been the best in time of trouble, go unnoticed and are not lucky enough to be given this tribute which they deserve.
I appeal to the Minister to take notice of all the cases being dealt with at the moment. I would request that he should make some allowance to the wives and children of Old IRA men who have died suddenly leaving their wives and children in very poor circumstances. Some small allowance would be a great help to these widows and orphans to supplement their small incomes.