asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the number of demobilised Army personnel still occupying married quarters because of their failure to obtain civilian housing accommodation; and if he will state also why gratuities and pensions are withheld from these men, some of whom are in reduced circumstances; and if he will arrange to have all moneys due to these men paid, having regard to the fact that the circumstances which cause the men to continue in married quarters are outside their control.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Demobilised Soldiers—Housing Accommodation.
There are, at present, 82 cases in which dwelling-houses (officially known as married quarters) are irregularly occupied by ex-members of the Defence Forces and/or their families. All pensions, gratuities or other moneys due to ex-soldiers, who continue to occupy married quarters, are withheld to cover the daily charge for overholding quarters as well as any amount which might be due to public funds for loss, damage or deficiencies in the quarters or furniture. The amount of the latter cannot be determined until the quarters have been evacuated and, accordingly, any money due cannot be paid while the irregular occupation continues.