asked the Minister for Defence if he has received from the Listowel Branch of the Old Comrades I.R.A., 1916-25, a request for a rehearing of the application of Old I.R.A. men, members of the branch, whose applications for pensions under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934, were refused; and whether, in view of the dissatisfaction caused by the refusal of pensions in so many cases, he is prepared to accede to that request.

I have, in common with other members of the Dáil, received a request in circular form from the Listowel Branch Old Comrades I.R.A., 1916-1925, for a rehearing of applications under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934, which were rejected on the grounds that the applicants were not persons to whom the Act is applicable. I am satisfied that the referee has given full consideration to all applications from the Listowel area, and, as the findings of the referee are final, conclusive and binding, I have no power under the Act to vary his decisions.