asked the Minister for Defence in the case of a retired officer from whose gratuity a sum of £486 was provisionally withheld since 1st August, 1961, whether any further payment in respect of the gratuity has now been made; if he will give the date of such payment; whether any sum is still withheld; and, if so, the amount of such sum.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Retired Army Officer.
84.
A further payment was made on 22nd June, 1962, and a sum of £72 4s. 2d. is withheld.
Would the Minister state whether it is correct that the amount paid to the officer was £469 15s. 10d. and if that is correct——
That is correct.
Further arising out of the Minister's reply, would he state on what date the amount withheld from this officer was increased from £486 to £542? Will the Minister also give us some information as to how the amount of £72 4s. 2d., which is still withheld from this officer, has been calculated?
The increase in any event, as the Deputy knows, arises from the Defence Forces (Pensions) (Amendment) Scheme, 1962. That accounts for the increase. The other balance which the Deputy seems to have in mind had no connection with the thefts which have been the subject of action in this matter.
The question I asked the Minister was how was the amount of £72 4s. 2d. calculated. On what basis was it calculated? Was it a purely balancing figure or the amount for which this officer is being held personally liable?
Without being drawn into a discussion on a matter that may very possibly be before the courts in a short time, I want to tell the Deputy that we have decided that the officer had responsibility in relation to the deficiencies which took place. A figure was reached in the matter which we think was more than fair to the officer concerned. I am not going to add any more because of the fact that we may have to stand cross-examination on this matter in the near future.