asked the Minister for Defence why the Reade family, 6 Parnell Avenue, Mervue, Galway, are still being charged rent for married quarters at Dún Uí Mhaoilíse, Galway, which they vacated in June, 1957, when they were rehoused by the Galway Corporation on the recommendation of the County Medical Officer of Health.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rent of Galway Dwelling.
Non-commissioned officers and privates of the Permanent Defence Force are normally required to reside in barracks and under the terms of Defence Force Regulations those who are married and occupying married quarters must obtain permission to vacate such quarters and reside outside barracks.
The family in question vacated married quarters without permission and documentary evidence to support the medical aspect of their case was not submitted until March last. Having regard to all the circumstances of the case it was decided, on compassionate grounds, to regard the quarters as having been officially vacated on the 12th March, 1958. Deductions made in respect of the period subsequent to that date have been refunded.
Does the Minister take cognisance of the medical officer's report in regard to the living conditions there and does he think it fair to charge people rent for premises that were vacated since June, 1957?
The person concerned was a senior N.C.O. who should have been well aware of the terms of the Defence Force Regulations and, if he had gone through the correct procedure, this state of affairs would not have arisen.