asked the Minister for Defence if he has investigated the possibility of free hospitalisation for the Old IRA, particularly those in receipt of disability, wound and active service pensions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old IRA Hospitalisation.
25.
When recommended by the Army Pensions Board, intern treatment is provided free of charge in St. Bricin's Hospital for veterans in receipt of temporary disability pensions. Recently, I introduced an out-patients' clinic in St. Bricin's Hospital for all pensioners under the Military Service Pensions Acts, 1924 and 1934 and disablement pensioners whose disability is due to service in the period 23rd April, 1916, to 30th September, 1924. Those eligible to avail themselves of the services provided at this clinic, which services include the supply of medicines and drugs, have been notified individually. Already some 1,600 veterans have applied for and have received admission cards for the clinic.
Having regard to the large number of veterans—some 30,000—still alive, there would be serious difficulties in providing free hospitalisation for all veterans of the War of Independence who may, of course, in common with other members of the community, avail of public health services.
In my question I specifically mentioned people in receipt of disability, wound and active service pensions. I am sure the Minister is aware of the considerable distance of most of those people from St. Bricin's Hospital in Dublin. Will he consider any such scheme for the other hospitals, in conjunction with the Minister for Health?
I would consider anything but the situation is simple. When one tries to do something one opens the floodgates and everyone wants to get in. I can only do what the Army can do. I will certainly consider the Deputy's suggestion but I do not hold out much hope.
This is not a question of opening the floodgates because there can be no follow up. Once the people concerned are dead that is that——
The follow up is given in my reply—it is 30,000.
Once the 30,000 are dead that is the end of it.
The remaining questions will appear on the Order Paper for the next sitting day.