asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that Mr. Patrick McGovern, Kilsob, Baunboy, County Cavan, was a member of the R.I.C. and resigned in sympathy with the national cause, and organised and drilled the I.R.A. in Cavan and Tipperary from that time until the Truce in 1921, a fact certified by many officers of high standing in the Old I.R.A., including several Dáil members; that his application for a pension was turned down due to a provision in the Act whereby he was deemed to have resigned some months too soon; and if the Minister will consider amending the Act so as to make this man eligible for a pension.

Numerous representations have been made on behalf of Mr. McGovern and he has been informed repeatedly that nothing can be done in his case. I do not propose to introduce amending legislation to make him eligible for a pension.