asked the Minister for Defence whether the claim of Mr. Nicholas Moran, Cushenstown, Dunboyne, County Meath, for a military service pension has been considered, and, if so, with what result.

Mr. Moran's application was considered and disallowed, as he did not satisfy the Board of Assessors that he rendered the minimum amount of military service required by sub-section (4) of Section 2 of the Military Service Pensions Act, 1924. He has, however, submitted what purports to be additional evidence in support of his application. On this evidence I have requested the Board to reopen their findings.

asked the Minister for Defence if he can state why a military service pension has not been paid to Thomas Foley, Fighting Cocks, Carlow.

A pension has not been paid to Mr. Foley for the reason that he did not establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Assessors that he gave the minimum amount of military service required by sub-section (4) of Section 2 of the Military Service Pensions Act, 1924. The findings of the Board on the available evidence is final and conclusive. Mr. Foley's application can be reconsidered only if he furnishes additional evidence in support of it. He was so informed in October last.

Does the Minister not consider his address as sufficient evidence?

asked the Minister for Defence if he can state why a military service pension has not been paid to Thomas Dempsey, Railway Station, Tullow, County Carlow.

A certificate of military service, which would entitle Mr. Dempsey to a pension under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1924, was not awarded to him, as he did not satisfy the Board of Assessors that he rendered the minimum amount of military service required by sub-section (4) of Section 2 of the Act. He has, however, submitted what purports to be additional evidence in support of his application. On this evidence I have requested the Board to reopen their findings in his case.

asked the Minister for Defence if he can state why a military service pension has not been paid to William Carrigan, Clarabricken, Clifden, County Kilkenny.

A pension has not been paid to Mr. Carrigan for the reason that he did not satisfy the Board of Assessors that he gave the minimum amount of military service required by sub-section (4) of Section 2 of the Military Service Pensions Act, 1924.

Has anyone ever satisfied the Minister as to proper evidence in these cases?

Yes, several thousand people have got pensions and have satisfied the Board.