asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that several widows and orphans of old Volunteer officers 1916 to 1923 and officers and men of the Defence Forces 1922 to 1926 are practically destitute; that, in all such cases, the said officers and men died as a result of disease contracted while on service; and if he will now allow the said widows and orphans to make application for widows' and orphans' pension, as laid down in the Pension Acts, 1923 to 1944, as may be applicable to each case.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Provision for Widows and Orphans of Volunteers.
An opportunity to apply for the grant of widows' and children's allowances was afforded under the Army Pensions Acts, 1927 to 1937 to the widows and children of deceased Volunteer officers who died from disease attributable to service in the Volunteers and to the widows and children of deceased officers and men of the forces who died from disease attributable to service in the forces during the period ended the 30th September, 1924. I am not aware that any widows and children, who, being eligible for these allowances, and who applied therefor, within the time limit laid down in the Acts, are now practically destitute. I am prohibited from accepting applications for allowances not made within the statutory time limit applicable in each case.