asked the Minister for Defence whether he will state the reasons for disallowing the claim for dependents allowance in the case of Mrs. Jane Duffy. Whitehall. Trim, Co. Meath, in respect of her son. Corporal John Duffy, Army No. 48452, 5th Infantry Battalion, who was discharged on February 20th, 1924; whether he is aware that prior to enlistment on July 1st, 1922, he was in receipt of £2 8s. 0d. per week, and contributed £2 0s. 0d. per week towards the maintenance of his home, and whether he will have this claim reinvestigated with a view to expediting payment of allowance.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - DEPENDENTS ALLOWANCE.
Mrs. Duffy's claim was disallowed after due investigation on the ground that the amount normally contributed by her son to his 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, namely, 12s. per week, before an allowance might be issued. Mrs. Duffy was notified to this effect on 1st May last, and again on the 8th instant.
It has been ascertained that before his attestation John Duffy had not been in constant employment and that his average weekly earnings had been about 30s. The total amount which he contributed to his mother was about 20s. per week, of which at least 10s. must have been spent on his own maintenance. In the circumstances, I regret that I can see no reason for reconsidering the claim.
Arising out of that reply, I would like to ask the President if he is aware that this man's employer, Mr. Henry Lowe, Bridge Street, Trim, certifies that he was employed by him for a lengthy time prior to his enlistment, and that he was receiving pay amounting to £2 8s. per week? Mr. Lowe is prepared to give evidence on oath in this matter, and to state that any statement made to the contrary is untrue.
The particulars furnished to me are the particulars which have been acquired after investigation. I have heard rumours to the effect that the statement made by the Deputy has been made. If it could be substantiated, and if, in addition to his receiving this £2 8s., it could be fairly shown that he contributed an amount which would permit of a contribution in respect of his mother in the manner required by the regulations, I will undertake to reconsider the case very carefully.
Would the Minister be able to inform me from whom was the information received that he was only in receipt of 30s. a week as wages?
The usual source of investigation. I think that in these cases it is some Civil Servant who called on them.
But this statement was not made, I understand, by the mother, and I would like to know from what source it came.
I will look into the matter.