asked the Minister for Defence what is the present position in relation to the application by Miss Mary Hogan, 2 New Road. Thomondgate, Limerick, for a special allowance; and if, in view of the fact that the application was made on 12th September, 1953, and that all the necessary inquiries have since been concluded, he will expedite the matter; and if he will state when a decision may be expected.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Limerick Special Allowance.
I regret that the position in this case has not altered since the reply which I gave on the 9th May last to a question by the Deputy on the same subject.
I am doing all I can to have a decision reached in the case.
Is the Minister aware this matter is now three years before the Department of Defence? Possibly the Department of Finance referred it back. Would the Minister say whether it has ever left his office or whether it has been referred to the Department of Finance?
The case is in the office of the Minister where it stays until it is decided.
Is the Minister aware that similar cases for which allowances were applied have all been dealt with and granted? Is there any coincidence in the fact that this lady is a prominent member of the Fianna Fáil Party in Limerick?
The Deputy has used the word "allowance". This is not a special allowance case.
Why was the question allowed in this form then?
Does the Deputy say she is entitled to a pension because she is a member of Fianna Fáil?
Because she did something the Deputy did not do— she rendered service to her country.