Vol. 398 No. 8
41 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine if there is any record of the number of surviving officers and seamen who served on Irish ships bringing essential supplies to the country during World War II; if any consideration has been given to recognising that service to the country; and, in particular, if he will introduce a special scheme of support and assistance for such survivors who may at present be in need.
In recognition of their service to the country during World War II, the Government decided in May 1947 that a medal should be awarded to eligible members of the mercantile marine who served for a minimum of six months in Irish ships between 3 September 1939 and 31 March 1946. In addition to the medal, a certificate was granted to qualifying seafarers. The certificate of service was granted to all those who served in Irish ships however short that service may have been. In all about 553 medals and 594 certificates of service have been issued.
The Deputy may also be aware of the recent ceremony at which President Hillery unveiled a monument at City Quay which commemorates those seamen who lost their lives when their ships were attacked or sunk during the Second World War. The monument was erected with the aid of a grant from my Department.
At the commencement of the Second World War the Government undertook to pay pensions to the dependants of any Irish seamen who might lose their lives. Pensions continue to be paid by my Department to eleven such dependants. In addition a pension and medical expenses are paid in respect of one ship's captain who was disabled as a result of injuries received.
Surviving seafarers of the period would be eligible for the normal social welfare entitlements and I am not aware of any cases of particular need. If, however, the Deputy is aware of any such case he should bring it to the attention of the Minister for Social Welfare who will examine the matter most urgently.
The records available to my Department give details of all those who served on Irish vessels during the period. It is not possible, however, to estimate how many of those seafarers are still alive.
