asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware (a) that Mrs. Celia Osborne, widow of the late Private James Osborne, who was killed under tragic circumstances in the Glen of Imaal explosion on the 16th September, 1941, has been notified that a pension has been awarded to her by the Army authorities at the rate of 12/6 a week during widowhood, plus 4/- per week in respect of her child— a total of 16/6 a week; (b) that Mrs. Osborne was in receipt of £2 2s. a fortnight from the Army authorities and £1 4s. 6d. a fortnight from her husband during his lifetime while serving in the Army; (c) that Mrs. Osborne was in receipt of £1 8s. a week up to the date of notification by the Army authorities of the aforementioned pension award; further, whether he is aware that prior to joining the Army the late Private James Osborne usually earned £5 per week, and, whether in view of the foregoing facts, he will either (a) increase the pension payable to Mrs. Osborne or (b) arrange to provide employment for her in some suitable capacity in his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Soldier's Widow's Pension.
I am aware that Mrs. Gecilia Osborne, widow of the late Private James Osborne, has been awarded an allowance of 12/6 per week during widowhood, and a further allowance of 4/- per week in respect of her daughter, Cecilia. This allowance was awarded under Section 15 of the Army Pensions Act, 1927.
I am also aware that marriage allowance at the rate of £2 2s. per fortnight was paid to Mrs. Osborne up to the date of her husband's death, and £1 8s. per fortnight during the period from the date of death to the date of the grant of the allowance under the Army Pensions Acts.
I am not aware, however, of the amount received by Mrs. Osborne from her husband during his service in the Army, or of the amount of his earnings prior to his joining the Army.
I have no power to increase the amount of the allowance payable to Mrs. Osborne under the Act. In regard to the question of employment, there is no vacancy in my Department at present, but I will ensure that Mrs. Osborne will be considered for any future vacancies which may arise for female cleaners in Government offices.