asked the Minister for Defence why a man (name and address supplied) has not been allowed free travel, electricity and radio licence although he is an OLD IRA man in possession of a military service medal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Concessions for IRA Veterans.
35.
The applicant referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for the concessions mentioned because he is not the holder of a duly awarded Service (1917-1921) Medal in respect of continuous membership of one of the prescribed organisations during the period of three months which ended on the 11th July, 1921.
Is the Minister aware this man was duly certified by the surviving officers of his company and was entitled to a medal? The medal was issued to him. Someone decided at a later stage that the medal should not have been issued. Will the Minister explain why action of this sort is taken when there is evidence available to prove that the man did, in fact, qualify for a service medal?
I am prepared to investigate the case in the light of what the Deputy says. This man applied for a special allowance and the investigation of his application showed that the medal was not duly awarded.
But he got it in the first place.
The system of investigation was changed.
What is one to do from the point of view of proof? The officers in charge of the area—some of them are still available—all certified that this man was an active member during the relevant period. That being so, would the Minister have the matter investigated? Will he take a personal interest in it because the person who decided the medal should be withdrawn will obviously not be prepared to change his mind?
I will.
I would like to hear what the results are.