asked the Minister for Defence whether any financial assistance has been provided from State funds for the dependants of Irish soldiers recently killed in the Congo.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dependants of Soldiers Killed in Congo.
113.
The allowances provided by the Army Pensions Acts have been awarded to the widows and children of all the married personnel recently killed in the Congo, together with an ex gratia lump sum of £3,500 in each case. An allowance under the Acts of £51 per annum and an ex gratia lump sum of £2,000 have been awarded to the mother of one unmarried soldier killed. Claims from the mothers in two other cases are under consideration and it is hoped to have them disposed of at an early date.
All the above awards will be the subject of a claim for recoupment from the United Nations.
In addition, gratuities under the Defence Forces (Pensions) Schemes, based on the rank and length of service of the deceased, have been paid to two of the widows and one mother and such a gratuity is payable to one other widow. These gratuities are not recoverable from the United Nations.
Question No. 114 postponed.