Louth TD calls for solution in McNeela Defence Forces pension case

An "interim solution" needs to be found in the case of 86-year-old Michael McNeela, who has been refused the continuation of the Defence Forces pension paid to his late wife following the 1989 death of their son, Michael, on UN duty in the Lebanon, a Louth TD has said.

Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú again raised the McNeela case during questions to the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris, last week.

Deputy Ó Murchú said he had spoken to the Tánaiste about the case previously and "it is something that needs resolved."

He said: “Discussions between the Tánaiste's Department and the Department of Social Protection were meant to take place about finding an interim solution, but the legislation needs to change”.

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In response, the Tánaiste said: “I thank Deputy Ó Murchú for raising the case of Michael McNeela. In fairness, he raised it with me long before anybody else ever did. I thank him for doing that. 

“I heard Michael's father, John, on the radio, and you could not but be moved. I extend my deep sympathies to John on the loss of Michael. 

“There is a legitimate policy question here. One would imagine this affects a very small number of people with very particular tragic circumstances. 

“The engagement between my own Department and other Departments is ongoing. I do not want to say more than that until I make more progress, but I am very sympathetic and supportive to seeing whether action can be taken”.