asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that his Department has refused to sanction payment to traders of amounts claimed in respect of wreaths requisitioned by army officers on the occasions of funerals of officers and men killed during the Irregular campaign, and whether, in view of the loss sustained by traders, he will now consider favourably the payment of such claims.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - MILITARY FUNERALS—CLAIMS FOR WREATHS.
I have made very careful inquiries and I cannot find any instance where sanction was not readily given by my Department to any submission by the Department of Defence for the payment of general funeral expenses in the class of cases to which the Deputy refers. I am aware, however, that a decision was arrived at in the Department of Defence to the effect that an item in funeral expenses such as wreaths could not be regarded as properly chargeable to public funds. In one instance, however, the Department of Defence did, owing to very exceptional circumstances, include, in their submission to my Department, a charge for wreaths and the charge was sanctioned. Perhaps the Deputy would forward particulars of the cases he has in mind to the Minister for Defence if he wishes to pursue the matter further. My Department will be prepared to consider on its merits any such case submitted by the Department of Defence.