asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that the British War Pension Department have reduced the pension paid to Mrs. Gertrude Guerrine, 5 Charlemont Mall, and her child, from 11s. 6d. weekly to 3s. 6d. weekly; whether he is aware that this woman's husband, Geoffrey Guerrine, served in Mesopotamia, India and Palestine, for four and a-half years, and was discharged suffering from malaria and bronchitis, and is now in Grangegorman Mental Hospital under the care of Doctor C. Costello, Assistant Medical Officer, who certifies that Geoffrey Guerrine is suffering from "Acute Melancholia, following on the stress of War Service"; if he is aware that the Pensions Appeal Tribunal have rejected the appeal against the reduction; to ask that steps be taken to protect this woman and other citizens of the Free State similarly treated.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - EX-BRITISH SOLDIER'S PENSION.
As I stated in reply to a question asked by Deputy Byrne on the 25th September, the administration of British Military pensions is not a matter in which the Government of the Irish Free State is officially concerned. The general representations then made by the Deputy on the subject were duly brought to the notice of the British Authorities in accordance with the undertaking which I gave to this effect. It is not possible for me to pursue inquiry in individual cases affecting a branch of administration for which I am in no way responsible.
Arising out of the answer I would like to draw the Minister's attention to the fact that there is another point which arises in this question, and it is that in view of the fact that the woman's husband fought in the Great War and is now an inmate of the Richmond Asylum, and that his upkeep is a charge on the ratepayers of Dublin, will he not consider that point and make some representation to the British War Pension Department? This woman has only 3/6 a week for herself and her child——
The Deputy must not make a speech on the matter.
Mr. BYRNE
It is a matter for the Local Government Department.
The Deputy can put down a question on the matter to the Minister for Local Government, when that Minister is appointed.