I propose, with the permission of the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 34, 35 and 36 together.
Paragraph 8 of Defence Force Regulations Q.6 provides that the Ard Cheathrúnach may, for reasons which to him seem sufficient, order the occupant of any married quarters to vacate them within a specified period.
Paragraph 89 (g) of Defence Force Regulations S.3 provides that if a soldier in occupation of married quarters fails, within a specified period, to vacate such quarters, when ordered by the Ard Cheathrúnach to do so, payment of marriage allowance shall cease as from the date following the expiry of the specified period.
Owing to the conduct of the wife of the soldier in the case to which the Deputy's Questions refer, the soldier's Officer Commanding decided that it would be in the best interests of the service that he should not be allowed to continue in occupation of married quarters. On 25th September, 1959, the Árd Cheathrúnach, acting on the recommendation of the Officer Commanding, ordered the soldier to evacuate the quarters on or before 1st January, 1960. The soldier did not evacuate the quarters and is still in occupation of them.
Accordingly, under the regulation mentioned, marriage allowance is not payable in respect of the period subsequent to 1st January, 1960. There is, therefore, no amount "owed" to the wife of the soldier concerned.
Subparagraph 45 (1) of Defence Force Regulations S.3, provides, inter alia, that where a soldier is in unauthorised occupation of married quarters, a charge of 2/3 a day in respect of the use of such quarters, furniture, light and water shall, by way of compensation, be made for every day during which he is in such unauthorised occupation. Pursuant to this provision, a deduction at the rate of 2/3 a day has been made from the pay of the soldier concerned with effect from 2 January, 1960, in lieu of the normal deduction of 5/- a week.
Until such time as the soldier evacuates the married quarters, payment of marriage allowance to his wife cannot be resumed. The soldier continues, of course, to receive his pay and allowances (other than marriage allowance) subject to any authorised forfeitures or deductions.
37.