asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that compensation has not yet been paid to John Moore, Rath, Ballynacargy, Westmeath, in respect of his son Thomas, who was wounded at Castlebar, Co. Mayo, on August 12th, 1922, and who died on August the 19th, 1922, from the effects of the wound, and whether, as the father of the deceased is an old man, and was solely dependent on deceased prior to his joining the Army, and is at present in poor circumstances, payment will be expedited.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - WESTMEATH SOLDIER'S DEPENDENT'S ALLOWANCE.
SEAN O LAIDHIN
I am aware that compensation has not been paid to Mr. Moore. The change in his circumstances as a result of his son's death was duly investigated, and it was ascertained that he had not been in any way dependent on his son prior to enlistment. In the circumstances I regret that the decision already communicated to Mr. Moore disallowing the claim must be maintained.
Is the Minister aware that this boy, before joining the National Army gave 30/- a week to his father and if that can be proved will he undertake to have the matter reconsidered?
The circumstances, as we have discovered them, are that he did not contribute anything to his father's support. Consequently even partial dependency could not be sustained.
I would like to remind the President that the remains of this young man were brought home to his father without any explanation as to how he died. In view of the circumstances of his father and that he has no means of livelihood at present will the President reconsider the case?