asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if provision has been made for the dependents of the officers and men of the "Irish Pine," and if such provision will be of a permanent nature.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Provision for Sailors' Dependents.
Pending a decision as to the cause of the loss of the "Irish Pine," arrangements have been made for the payment of interim allowances for the wives and children of the married members of the crew, and to such of the dependents of the unmarried members as were receiving allotments from the seamen's wages and were found to be in pecuniary need. If it is determined that the loss of the vessel was attributable to circumstances connected with the war, payments for wives and children will be continued as fixed pensions and allowances at the normal rates applying under the war compensation arrangements, but the continuance of payments to the dependents of the unmarried men will depend on pecuniary need. If the loss of the vessel is found to be due to circumstances unconnected with the war the dependents will have to have recourse to the remedies provided under the Workmen's Compensation Act.