asked the Minister for Defence whether he has received an appeal from Mrs. Dobbins, widow of Sergeant Dobbins, who died from illness contracted on service with the National Army, for some provision for herself and three children, who are destitute, and whether he is in a position to do anything in the matter.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - DEATH OF ARMY SERGEANT.
An appeal has been received on behalf of Mrs. Dobbins in respect of the death of her husband, Sergeant Dobbins. As his death was not due to wound or injury received prior to 1st October, 1923, I regret I am not in a position to do anything for Mrs. Dobbins.
Is the Minister aware that this widow, who lives in the Six Counties, is precluded from receiving a widow's pension by reason of the fact that her husband was absent for a certain period while on service with the National Army?
I am not aware of these circumstances.
Has the Minister no intention of so amending the Bill now before the Dáil dealing with Army Pensions that the widows and dependants of men who came to his assistance in times of emergency will receive some recognition and not be left derelict?
Widows and children do come under the Bill now before the House. The date in connection with that Bill is up to and including the 30th September, 1924. If the widow of Sergeant Dobbins can prove that he contracted disease in the discharge of his duty prior to that date, she will come under the Bill.
Might I ask why the Minister stops at the last quarter of 1924? If he had extended the date to cover the final quarter of 1924 this woman would be eligible.
The reason I stopped at that date was because the Defence Forces were established on 1st October, 1924.