asked the Minister for Defence if he will state what is the cause of the delay in paying a military service pension to ex-Commandant Patrick O'Callaghan, Donacomper, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, whose claim was allowed on the 15th May, 1925, and who was awarded a certificate in respect of service about the 16th March, 1926, and whether he will expedite payment to Mr. O'Callaghan, who has been unemployed for the past six months.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - MILITARY SERVICE PENSION CLAIM (CO. KILDARE).
It is incorrect to say that the application of ex-Commandant Patrick Francis Callaghan for a certificate of Military Service was allowed in May, 1925. The application was reported on by the Board of Assessors on the 18th January last. After consideration of that report and certain inquiries arising thereon, I decided on the 9th ultimo to grant a certificate, and, subject to the assent of the Minister for Finance, a pension. The certificate was issued on the 16th March. A life certificate completed by the applicant was received on the 28th instant, and a payable order for the amount of pension due up to the 31st ultimo was remitted the same day.