asked the Minister for Defence whether a pension or gratuity has been awarded to Mrs. K. Behan, of Martinstown, Curragh Camp, in respect of her son, Volunteer Patrick Behan, who died from wounds received at Ferrycarrig, Wexford, on the 12th August, 1922, and if so, whether payment will be expedited, as this woman and her family are in very poor circumstances.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CLAIM FOR A PENSION.
I regret that Mrs. Behan's claim has had to be disallowed on the ground that she was not dependent on her deceased son prior to his enlistment.
That means, of course, that this woman will get nothing for the death of her son?
There is no power under the Army Pensions Act to award either a pension or a gratuity unless dependency can be proved. The Act would have to be amended before that could be done.