asked the Minister for Defence whether he has received an a application for compensation from Mrs. R. Mooney, Woodlands, Rathangan, County Kildare, in respect of the death of her son, which is stated to have occurred following excessive fatigue in the course of L.D.F. manoeuvres, whether he has considered the application; and, if so, whether it is proposed to pay compensation to Mrs. Mooney in respect of the loss which she has sustained.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rathangan Compensation Application.
An application under the Emergency Powers (Compensation for Personal Injuries) (Local Defence Force) Scheme, 1942, was received from Mrs. Rose Mooney, 347 Woodlands, Rathangan, County Kildare, in respect of the death of her son, John. The application has been carefully considered, but it has not been established that his death resulted from his service in the L.D.F. It is regretted, therefore, that no award of compensation can be made to Mrs. Mooney.
In view of the fact that this unfortunate woman is at present living on home assistance, with little prospect of improving her financial position, would the Minister consider making an ex gratia payment in this case?
I do not think that is possible under the scheme.
Would the Minister see if it is possible; and, if so, would he do it?
I am afraid not. I should say that the matter has been. examined very carefully by a board, which contains medical men, and they have presumably examined all the facts; but if there are any facts which have not yet been disclosed, the matter can be again brought before the board and, in that way, it can be re-examined.