asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that a claim for dependent's allowance was furnished last April by William McKeon, Robinstown, Ballivor, Co. Meath, in respect of his son, Private McKeon, A. Coy., 58th Batt., Killmainagh Court House, whether the usual form of consent was signed last April by Private McKeon and the O.C. of Barracks, when stationed in Omeath, and forwarded to the office of the Paymaster-General, Portobello Barracks; whether, in view of the fact that Private McKeon was the only support of his father, who is aged sixty years and at present destitute, the Minister will entertain the claim for dependent's allowance and expedite payment.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - DEPENDENT'S ALLOWANCE (BALLIVOR, CO. MEATH).
The application of Mr. McKeon was disallowed after due investigation on the ground that the extent of dependence which in the case of an unmarried soldier is taken to be the amount normally contributed by him to his home over and above the cost (if any) of his own maintenance therein for a reasonable period prior to enlistment was less than the minimum specified by regulations, namely, 12/- per week, before an allowance may be issued. It was, in fact, about 10/- per week. It should be stated, however, that the regulations are based on the recognition of an obligation on the part of an unmarried soldier to contribute to the support of his dependents a reasonable portion of his Army pay, this portion being calculated at 8/- per week in the case of a soldier receiving the ordinary rate of pay.
Is the Minister aware that prior to joining the National Army he subscribed 30/- altogether to the maintenance of the home of his aged father, and that since then nothing has been subscribed to the maintenance of the old man?
The matter was fully investigated, with the result stated in my answer. If there are any facts which were not before the officers investigating the matter, I will have them further considered if they are communicated to me.