Legislation needed to allow Louth man receive Defence Forces pension

Legislation will be required to ensure a Dundalk man can receive a small Defence Forces pension that had been paid to his late wife following the death of their son on UN duty, Louth TD Ruairí Ó Murchú has been told.

An update on the case of Dundalk man John McNeela, whose request to government for a pension paid to his late wife following the death of their son, Michael, on UN duty, to be paid to him was given to Sinn Féin deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú last week.

The Louth TD asked Tánaiste Simon Harris for an update on what progress is being made to ensure that Mr McNeela can get the small pension from the Defence Forces. 

Deputy O Murchú said: “In an answer to a parliamentary question, he said this may or may not require legislative change.

“I know the Tánaiste is committed to dealing with it but we would obviously like to get it dealt with as soon as possible”.

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In response, the Tánaiste said: “It will require legislation. I have asked my officials to explore the most expeditious vehicle with which to take that forward. I will ask that a written update be sent to the Deputy very shortly on that”.