asked the Minister for Defence whether he has yet issued proficiency pay applied for by Volunteer Daniel O'Connell, Army No. 51398, of Lackagh Cottage, Kildare, and if not, whether he will expedite payment.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - A VOLUNTEER'S PROFICIENCY PAY.
In accordance with prevailing practice Mr. O'Connell should have been remunerated for his services as a barber by payments from Battalion Funds and not by way of extra official pay. It appears that for a time he was recompensed in this connection by charges which he made to individual soldiers. Owing, however, to the disbandment of battalions to which he belonged and the demobilisation of officers under whom he served, it has not yet been practicable to ascertain all the facts of the case. The necessary inquiries are being made as rapidly as possible, and I will communicate the result to the Deputy in due course.