To ask the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that no dependant's allowance has yet been paid to Mrs. P. Tighe, of Arm. Castlerea, in respect of her son, John Tighe, 24256, B. Company, 2nd Western Division, who joined the National Army on the 23rd July, 1922; that this soldier was the sole support of his invalid father, his mother and five children, and in consequence of the delay in this payment the family are in a very bad way; Mrs. Tighe herself has had to take up work in order to try and support the children, and would the Minister cause payment to be expedited.
[WRITTEN ANSWERS.] - DEPENDANTS' ALLOWANCES.
Mrs. Tighe's claim is under local investigation, which is being expedited.
SEAN O LAIDHIN
To ask the Minister for Defence if he is aware that Mrs. Rattigan, Patrick Street, Athlone, has not received dependant's allowance in respect of her three sons, Captains Séan and Patrick Rattigan, stationed in Custume Barracks, Athlone, and Volunteer James Rattigan, who is attached to Moate Barracks. Further to ask if payment will be speedily made.
Mrs. Rattigan was paid sums on the 6th January, 17th February, and 3rd and 15th March amounting to £29 in connection with a dependant's allowance in respect of her son Captain Séan Rattigan.
No applications were received in respect of Patrick and James, but on the information contained in the question claims are being investigated.
SEAN O LAIDHIN
To ask the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that no dependant's allowance has been paid to Mrs. M.J. Keyes in respect of her son, Volunteer Frank Keyes, who is stationed in Moate. Further, will the Minister see that payment of the allowance is expedited, as this man was his mother's chief support.
Mrs. Keyes was partially dependent on her son prior to his enlistment, but the extent of dependency established as a result of investigation did not amount to the minimum extent required by regulations, namely, 12/- per week before an allowance can be issued. A soldier is expected to contribute at least 8/- per week to the support of his dependants.
SEAN O LAIDHIN
To ask the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that no dependant's allowance has been paid to Mrs. Reid, Bridge Street, Athlone, in respect of her son, Volunteer Hugh Reid, Custume Barracks, Athlone, who is serving in the National Army as a motor mechanic. Further, if the Minister is aware that he is Mrs. Reid's chief support, and in view of this will he see that payment of allowance is expedited.
Mrs. Reid was partially dependent on her son prior to his enlistment, but the extent of the dependency established as a result of investigation did not amount to the minimum extent required by regulations, namely, 12/- per week before an allowance can be issued. A soldier is expected to contribute at least 8/- per week to the support of his dependants.
SEAN O LAIDHIN
To ask the Minister for Defence if he is aware that Mrs. Ellen Bracken has not received dependant's allowance in respect of her son, Volunteer Matthew Bracken, who joined the army in May, 1922, and is now stationed in Fianna Camp, Ballyshannon, and who, previously to his joining the army, allowed his mother £3 per week, and also in respect of her son, Volunteer Peter Bracken, at present stationed in Mullingar, and to ask if the claim be expedited, as Mrs. Bracken is destitute.
No applications appear to have been received for the payment of dependant's allowance to Mrs. Bracken. On the information conveyed in the question, her claim will be investigated as quickly as possible.
SEAN O LAIDHIN
To ask the Minister for Defence if he is aware that Mrs. Mary Galvin, Brideswell Street, Athlone, was refused dependant's allowance in respect of her son, Volunteer Thomas Galvin, who is at present stationed in Longford Town, and who allowed his mother £1 per week prior to joining the Army, and further, if he is aware that Galvin would now be earning £3 10s. per week as a motor mechanic if he had not enlisted, and if the Minister will have the claim further investigated, with a view to favourable consideration.
Mrs. Galvin was partially dependent on her son prior to his enlistment, but the extent of the dependency established, about 10s. per week, as a result of investigation did not amount to the minimum extent required by regulations, namely, 12s. per week, before an allowance can be issued. A soldier is expected to contribute at least 8s. per week from his pay to the support of his dependants. There appears to be no ground for investigating the case again.