asked the Minister for Defence if he can state whether Michael O'Sullivan, Knocknacolan, Kanturk, is entitled to dependent's allowance in respect of either, or both, of his sons, Denis and George, who are at present serving in the National Army; and, if so, when it is intended to pay same, as the claimant is very badly off, and has been served with notice to quit his cottage.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - DEPENDENT'S ALLOWANCE CLAIM.
The claims made by Mr. O'Sullivan in respect of his sons, Denis and George, were disallowed, after due investigation, on the ground that the net amount contributed towards the upkeep of the home by each of the sons for a reasonable period prior to enlistment was less than the minimum required by the regulations, namely, 12/- per week, before an allowance might be issued. Notifications to this effect were sent to the parents on 19th June, 1923, and 13th May, 1924.
I may add that the regulations governing the matter were based on an obligation on the part of a solidier to contribute to his home a reasonable portion—about a third—of his Army pay.
I wonder would it be possible, if the claim be re-considered in the light of taking the joint contributions to find out if the necessary amount of 12/- a week had been contributed by the two sons instead of by each son?
I will undertake to look into that. It would appear from the particulars before me that even the joint contributions would scarcely make up the sum sufficient to qualify for the allowance, but I will undertake to look into it.