asked the Minister for Defence if the necessary amending legislation to enable the payment of gratuities in the Army will be passed in time to have these gratuities paid before Christmas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Gratuities.
25.
The Defence Forces (Pensions) (Amendment) (No. 3) Scheme 1970 which provides, amongst other things, for gratuities to long-service married soldiers on discharge requires confirmation, by resolution, of each House of the Oireachtas. If this were possible before Christmas every effort would be made to pay the gratuities for Christmas.
26.
asked the Minister for Defence whether he now proposes to reinstate in the Army a former NCO (name supplied) who has been the victim of a grave miscarriage of justice; and, if not, why.
As I informed the Deputy in reply to his Question No. 85 on the 5th November, 1970, the man in question was discharged from the Army on the grounds that he was below Army physical standards. Under Defence Force Regulations a person discharged on these grounds may not be re-enlisted.
I do not agree that the man in question has been the victim of a grave miscarriage of justice.
I should like to ask the Minister if since the question was raised on 5th November he has actively investigated this case as he assured us he would and, if so, could he tell us what he has found from his investigation?
As I promised the Deputy on that occasion to look into the case I did so and I am still satisfied that in the interests of the individual himself and in the interests of the Army, the decision cannot be altered.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply I propose with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.