asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that Mrs. Mary Fitzgerald, Coolaha, Gortroe, Youghal, applied for compensation únder Section 71 (a) of the Army Pensions Act, 1923, in respect of the loss of her son killed during the recent hostilities while on active service in the National Army protecting the railway line, Headford to Kenmare; whether he is aware that the Pensions Board refused to allow the claim, and whether as the deceased volunteer contributed largely out of his pay to the support of his aged mother, now almost destitute, he will cause this claim to be reconsidered.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - YOUGHAL SOLDIER'S DEATH—COMPENSATION CLAIM.
I would refer the Deputy to the terms of paragraphs 7 and 8 of the Third Schedule to the Army Pensions Act, 1923. It has been ascertained that Mrs. Fitzgerald was dependent on her deceased son to a very limited extent. A pension is, therefore, not payable. Again, inasmuch as five members of her family are in regular employment, it would appear that her circumstances should not be such as to warrant the issue of a gratuity. Mrs. Fitzgerald's application was, therefore, I regret to say, necessarily disallowed after careful consideration. I shall, however, be glad to consider any representations made in the case as to the existence of any special circumstances which might justify the grant of a gratuity.