asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that Lieutenant George Cooke (Ref. No. S.P. 13014) who at present resides at Cushla, Athlone, was wounded in November, 1922, at Ballysodare, County Sligo, during an engagement there, and if he will state on what grounds a wound pension has not been granted in this case.

Lieutenant Cooke made a claim under the Army Pensions Act, 1923 in respect of a wound received in Ballysodare, County Sligo, in October, 1922. He was requested to give full details of the circumstances in which he received the wound, together with the names of eye-witnesses. He has not furnished the required information and, until he does so, I regret that it will not be possible to take any further action in the matter.

Is the Minister aware this man was at the time a member of the National Army and when he was engaged in active operations against the opposition forces he was twice wounded? Surely this is a case that should be given some consideration. The Minister can easily find out from the officer in charge of the troops what the facts were; he will be quite capable of giving the necessary information. Will the Minister have this case re-opened?

No, unless the applicant furnishes the information he has been asked on several occasions to furnish.

God help those who fought for you.