asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) that the widow and family of a soldier who lost his life in the Lebanon have been instructed to leave their Army home, that the gratuity of her late husband is being withheld until she vacates the house and that the rent has been increased from £5 to £10 per week while she remains in the house and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Widow of UNIFIL Casualty.
19.
The widow was not instructed to vacate the quarters. Two gratuities arose for payment by my Department in this case and they have been issued. The weekly charge for the quarters is £5 and it has not been increased.
Do I take it that the gratuity has been paid?
Yes.
Do I also take it that there is not any increase in the rent?
That is so.
Have instructions been issued to the widow to leave the house in question?
No, but I understand she has shown an interest in another house and Cork Corporation will be offering her another house in about three weeks' time. That is her own wish and I understand the house is acceptable to her. There is no question of her being pushed.
I take it there is no intention on the part of the Department to push this matter.
No.