asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware of the many difficulties caused by inadequate allowances paid to soldiers' wives; if he is aware that their children are deprived of the benefits of free school books, and in many cases their rent payments are in arrears, due to their breaking in on the rent in order to meet the rising prices of the family's food supply.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Allowances to Soldiers' Wives.
While I am aware that emergency conditions have created difficulties for all members of the community, I would refer the Deputy to my reply last July to a similar question, when I stated that the rates of marriage allowance were increased in August, 1941, and that it was not proposed to grant any further increase. There has been no change in the position since.
Mr. Byrne
Is the Minister not aware of the change in the circumstances of the families concerned, due to the high cost of living, and, in the circumstances, will he introduce some improvement in the allowances those people are getting? I suggest to the Minister that he might also consider the advisability, where there is an invalid child over 16 years in the soldier's family, of including that child in the allowance. Some cases have been brought to my notice of invalid children between 16 and 18 years, and the soldiers are not getting any allowance for them. Will the Minister give some increase in the present allowance in order to meet the rising cost of living?
I have given my answer to the Deputy's question.
Mr. Byrne
That means a definite "no"?
The Deputy has asked me about a half a dozen different questions. I think I have answered his question on the Order Paper adequately.
Question 31.
Mr. Byrne
I am giving reasons why there should be an increased allowance.
When the next question has been called, no more supplementaries may be asked.
Mr. Byrne
I have more regard for the soldiers' families than I have for the Rules of the House.
It is incumbent on the Chair to see that the rules of the House are observed. Deputies offending must be prepared to take the consequences.
Mr. Byrne
And the people outside suffer because of those rules.
No society or institution can be run without rules.