asked the Minister for Defence if he has received repeated applications for dependents' allowance on behalf of Thomas Williams, Tunnell Road, Edenderry, Offaly, who joined the National Army at the Curragh, on May 30th, 1922, was demobilised at Griffith Barracks on April 21st, 1923, and who re-attested at the Curragh on April 27th, 1923, and was discharged from Portobello Barracks on September 4th, 1923; if he can state the cause of the delay in dealing with same, or give immediate instructions for payment of whatever amount is due.
CEISTEANNA.—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - DEPENDENTS' ALLOWANCE (EDENDERRY).
Mrs. Williams' claim for dependents' allowance in respect of her son, Thomas, was paid from the date of attestation (the 30th May, 1922) up to the 13th September, 1922, at the rate of 7s. per week. It was then considered in conjunction with that in respect of her son, James, who attested on the 13th September, and the maximum allowance of 28s. per week was issued up to 9th March, 1923, when James was discharged. The allowance in respect of Thomas continued to be paid at the rate of 7s. per week up to the 21st April, 1923, when Thomas was discharged. He re-attested on the 27th April, from which date the allowance was again paid at the rate of 7s. per week up to the 4th September, 1923, the date on which his service terminated. All money due to Mrs. Williams has been paid.
I am sorry for putting down that question; my information was quite contrary to the reply given by the President.