asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware of the existing practice of charging double rent to ex-members of the Defence Forces who are living in married quarters and who have been unable to find alternative accommodation outside their barracks within the specified time limit; and, if so, whether he will have this practice stopped and also arrange for the immediate payment of the pensions withheld from these men.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rent of Married Quarters.
Mr. A. Byrne
There is no question of the ex-members of the Defence Forces to whom the Deputy refers being subjected to a double charge in respect of the married quarters overheld by them. Actually, a charge of 2/2½d. a day is made by way of compensation to the State, as compared with the normal deduction of 1/6 a day made from the marriage allowance of a serving soldier.