asked the Minister for Defence if he will state why arrears of pay have not been forwarded to E. T. O'Keeffe, Kilmihill, Ballingarry, County Limerick; Owen O'Sullivan, Coolygorman, Broadford; Michael Sheehy, Broadford; Edward Coonan, Great Southern Railways, Foynes; Thomas Scully, Creveen Cottages, Foynes, all ex-Army men who served in the National Army in 1922 and whose claims have been vouched for on many occasions.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CLAIMS FOR ARMY PAY.
Evidence is available that payments were issued in respect of at least a considerable portion of the periods for which Messrs. O'Keeffe and O'Sullivan claimed arrears of pay. The applications must therefore be regarded as invalid, and have consequently been disallowed.
The usual forms of application were sent on several occasions to Messrs. Sheehy and Coonan for completion and certification. In neither case has the form been returned duly certified. Pending their return, no further action can be taken.
Mr. Scully's claim was disallowed on the grounds that there is no record that he served with the Forces during the period for which he claimed. He was so informed on the 9th September, 1924.
I can vouch for the fact that Mr. Scully was in the Army and has not been paid. As for the other two men, they have answered those queries. Six months ago a reply was given that they had not applied in time. Consideration was given to their applications afterwards and they were vouched for.
I have no record that these forms were returned, although asked for on several occasions. If the men have the forms and return them I shall have the matter looked into.
Will the Minister make further inquiry?
I certainly will.