asked the Minister for Defence whether the claim of Mrs. E. Reidy, Annabella Cottage, Mallow, to compensation for the death of her son through sickness, which she alleges he contracted while serving as a member of the National Army, has been investigated, and with what result; whether Mrs. Reidy's statements regarding the refusal of the Army authorities to assist her in locating her son, and their placing him in Cork Asylum against her wishes, have been investigated, and with what result; whether the Army authorities have considered her claim to pay and other allowances which she alleges are due her for the two months prior to the date of his discharge by the military authorities from the Mental Home, Cork, and whether this claim will be paid at an early date.
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - COMPENSATION FOR SON'S DEATH.
Mrs. Reidy's claim has been investigated. Her son Michael did not contract his illness whilst serving with the Forces. It was ascertained that he had suffered from the disability before his enlistment. He showed signs of a recurrence of the malady within four months of joining the Forces, and his services actually terminated five months after the date of attestation. His case did not come within the terms of the Army Pensions Act, 1923, and I regret that I am therefore unable to entertain the claim.
Mrs. Reidy's statements regarding the refusal of the Army Authorities to assist her in locating her son have been investigated, but I regret that it is not now possible to verify her statements. Her inquiries may have been badly directed, resulting in any inconvenience to which she may have been put. Her son's removal to the Cork Mental Hospital was carried out by arrangements previously made between herself and the Medical Authorities of the Curragh Military Hospital.
Michael Reidy's discharge from the Cork Mental Hospital was not effected at the instance of the Army Authorities, as his services with the Forces had terminated some time previously. All money due in respect of his service has already been paid, and I regret again that I am also unable to entertain the claim in this connection.