asked the Minister for Defence if he has received representations in regard to the balance of Army pay and marriage allowance alleged to be due to ex-Private William O'Leary (No. 74869, late of the 1st Motor Squadron, McDermott Barracks, Curragh), who resides at 16 Mary Street, Cork; whether he is aware that no payment was made to this man from the time he was certified as unfit (2/4/40) until the date of his discharge (6/7/40); that a sum of £5 17s. is alleged to be due in respect of his child, and whether he will state the cause of the delay in making the payments due in this case, and, further, whether he will supply a statement of account showing the position in regard to the pay and allowances due to this man.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Claim fo Army Pay.
I have received representations in regard to the balance of pay and marriage allowance alleged to be due to ex-Private William O'Leary, late of the 1st Motor Squadron. Ex-Private O'Leary has been overpaid Army pay to the extent of a small sum, and payment in full has been made in respect of his child. Statements of account showing the position in regard to ex-Private O'Leary's pay and marriage allowance accounts have been sent to the Deputy.
Is the Minister aware that this man wrote several times, after being discharged from the Army as physically unfit, and did not get even an acknowledgment? He then came to me and I have written five letters, and it is only when I put down this question that I got a reply to the letters.
I can only express my regret for the delay which has taken place.