Latest release of material from the Military Service (1916-1923) Pensions Collection by Minister Simon Coveney.

The Minister for Defence, Mr Simon Coveney, T.D. today announced the latest release of material from the Military Service (1916-1923) Pensions Collection (MSPC) online. This latest release of records is the eleventh release of material under the MSPC Project and it comprises of over 3,800 files representing records relating to over 1,400 individuals. Release 11 is the 2nd release of material from the collection this year and brings the number of files released in 2021 to over 6,300.

One of the main characteristics of this release of records is that the majority of entries relate to women applicants under the Military Services Pensions Act 1924 and 1934 and the Army Pensions Acts.

Speaking in relation to this latest release, the Minister said “I am delighted to announce this latest release of historical records contained in the Military Service (1916-1923) Pensions Collection. Every release of material from this collection online provides a valuable insight to the experiences of those involved in the struggle for independence. The continued digitisation and release of material from this collection presents the public with the opportunity to research information about their ancestors and their community during the period leading up to the establishment of Irish independence.”

This latest release of records includes records relating to former Ministers for Defence, Gerald Bartley, TD (Minister for Defence from 1961-1965) and Michael Hilliard TD (Minister for Defence from 1965-1969) and former Parliamentary Secretary to the Department of Defence, Seán O’Grady.

The eleventh release of material is now available to view on www.militaryarchives.ie

ENDS

Note for Editors:

Origins and scope: The archives contained within the Military Service Pensions Collection were once active administrative files generated through legislation enacted by the newly formed Saorstát Éireann from June 1923. In post-conflict conditions, various legal acts were sanctioned to compensate members of certain organisations and their widows, children and dependents. Over time, legislation was enhanced and broadened to include more veterans, including the members of Cumann na mBan.

Two streams of legislation are relevant for the Military Service Pensions Collection:

- The Army Pensions Acts, from 1923 to 1953: dealing with the wounded participants and deceased participants’ dependents.

- The Military Service Pensions Acts, 1924, 1934, 1949: dealing with the surviving participants who could prove active service.

Applicants were assessed by the Army Pensions Board, a Board of Assessors and later by a Referee and an Advisory Committee. The files are the result of the verification process and contain material submitted by the applicants in respect of their claims.

MSPC publications “Guide to the Military Service Pensions Collection” and a guide to the “Brigade Activity Reports” are available to download on the Military Archives website.