asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that dependent's allowance has not been paid to Mrs. Mary Finnan, Scotch Parade, Athlone, in respect of her son. Volunteer John Finnan, Pay Book No. 09225, who attested in March, 1922, and was discharged on March 6th, 1924, and whether, as Finnan prior to attesting was earning £2 18s. per week, he will expedite the payment of the allowance due.
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - DEPENDENT'S ALLOWANCE.
SEAN O LAIDHIN
The claims for dependent's allowance made by Mrs. Finnan, in respect of her sons, James and John, were considered jointly, and the maximum allowance was awarded. The claim in respect of John would have been rejected if considered separately on the grounds that the amount normally contributed by him to the home over and above the cost of his own maintenance therein for a reasonable period prior to enlistment was less than the minimum required by the regulations, 12s. per week, before an allowance might be issued. A sum of 16s. due to Mrs. Finnan on the combined claims has now been issued. This sum clears the account up to the date of the discharge of James from the Army.
I am not aware that John Finnan was in receipt of £2 18s. per week prior to enlistment.