asked the Minister for Defence whether it is a fact that Mrs. Katherine McKeown, mother of Sergeant Martin Brennan McKeown, of the Engineers, Moneenroe, Castlecomer, late No. 18966, Pay Book No. 5631, received a sum of £8 9s. Od. only as dependent's allowance; whether her son, before joining the National Army, was earning up to £3 10s. per week, and whether, seeing that Brennan joined the National Army in April, 1922, and was discharged in December last, he will state whether this claim is one for further consideration and further allowance, in view of the loss this woman has sustained by the fact of her son giving up his employment to join the National Army.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - DEPENDENT'S ALLOWANCE.
EAMON O DUBHGHAILL
It was ascertained that the net financial loss to the home through Sergeant McKeown's enlistment amounted to about 15s. per week. In respect of this extent of dependence an allowance of 7s. a week, as specified by regulations, was issued to Mrs. McKeown. Those regulations were based on a recognition of an obligation for a soldier to contribute at least 8s. a week towards the upkeep of his home whilst serving in the Army. In accordance with the existing regulations the allowance was issued only from the 4th August, 1923, the date on which application was made.