asked the Minister for Defence if he will state, in respect of Sergeant John Coveney, 9 O'Riordan Square, Cork, recently discharged from the 23rd Battalion—(1) the ranks held and the period served by him in (a) the National Army, (b) the Reserve; (2) his total period of service, (a) with the colours, and (b) with the Reserve; (3) his character, (a) after his discharge from his original period of service with the National Army, (b) after his discharge from his recent period of service during the emergency; (4) the pay and allowances payable to him immediately prior to his recent discharge; (5) the reason for, and the date of his recent discharge; (6) the financial provision, if any, made for him on his discharge from the Army.
Written Answers. - Discharge of Military Sergeant.
Sergeant Coveney has applied for his discharge and the question as to whether his application should be granted is under consideration at present. In the circumstances parts 3 (b), 4, 5, and 6 of the question do not arise.
Coveney enlisted as a private in the permanent Forces on the 19th March, 1923, was promoted corporal on the 11th March, 1924, and was made sergeant on the 13th November, 1925. He was transferred to the Reserve on the 11th April, 1930, with a rank of sergeant. He was discharged on the 4th April, 1939. His character on the completion of his original period of service was assessed as "very good."