asked the Minister for Defence if he will state if he has received representations on behalf of the parents of the late Private Charles Daly (217022), of Raheen, Clara, County Offaly, who met his death under tragic circumstances at Dungarvan, County Waterford; and if, in view of their dependence on their son, he will give favourable consideration to this case and grant adequate compensation by way of pension or otherwise to Private Daly's mother.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Compensation for Soldier's Death.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As a result of these representations, claims under the Army Pensions Acts were accepted from the parents of the late Private Daly, but as his death was found to have resulted from injuries sustained when he was not on duty, no award of compensation could be made.
Surely the Minister must admit that at the time of Private Daly's death he was a member of the Defence Forces? I should be very glad if the Minister could see his way to reconsider the matter in view of the poor circumstances of the late soldier's parents.
I have very great sympathy with the parents in this particular case, but the Deputy must know as well as I do that I am precluded from taking any action in view of the circumstances in which the boy met his death.
Are there any funds at the disposal of the Minister from which he could allocate some compensation by way of lump sum to recoup the parents for the expenses incurred by this boy's death?
I am sorry I have no such funds at my disposal.
Can the Minister say if the Army Benevolent Fund would be able to see their way to give an allowance?
That is a fund which is dealt with by the Army people themselves. I am sure that if an application is made by the parents or someone else it will be considered.