asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that Mrs. Mary O'Shea, Wolfe Tone Terrace, Athlone, has not received dependant's allowance in respect of her son, Michael O'Shea, Command Transport Barracks, Athlone, who joined the army on the 29th May, 1922; that O'Shea was in receipt at that time of £3 10s. per week, and was the chief support of the house; that Mrs. O'Shea has no other means of livelihood, and if, in view of this, the Minister would see that dependant's allowance be granted in this case.
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - DEPENDANT'S ALLOWANCE.
SEAN O LAIDHIN
The claim of Mrs. O'Shea who, it appears, was only partially supported by her son was disallowed on the ground that the extent of dependence which was established after due investigation, and which is taken to be the net amount normally contributed by an unmarried soldier to the upkeep of any dependants for a reasonable period prior to enlistment was less than the minimum specified by regulations—that is, 12s. per week, before an allowance can be given.
It should be added that the regulations governing the matter are based on the recognition of an obligation on the part of an unmarried soldier to contribute to the support of his dependants a reasonable portion of his army pay, this portion being calculated as 8s. per week in the case of a soldier receiving ordinary rate of pay.
asked the Minister for Defence if he has received a claim from Daniel Brennan, of Mount Bellew, Galway, for a dependant's allowance on account of his son, Michael Brennan, who joined the National Army some ten weeks ago; if so, can he say if such allowance has yet been paid; if not paid will he see that his claim is expedited in view of the fact that this soldier was the principal means of support of his invalid father and six children, all under fifteen years.
A claim has not been received at G.H.Q. from Mr. Brennan, but one has been prepared on the information conveyed in the question. It will be dealt with as quickly as possible.