To ask the Minister for Defence whether it is true that repeated applications for dependents 'allowance have been made on behalf of the wife and four children of Sergeant John O'Shea (No. 08530, 1st Western Division), O'Connell Street, Tullamore, and seeing that O'Shea has been serving since July 12th, 1922, if the Minister will state when he will be in a position to deal with this long outstanding claim, the non-payment of which is causing much misery and inconvenience to his penniless wife and children?
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - SOLDIERS' DEPENDENTS' ALLOWANCES.
Several applications were received, but difficulty was experienced in tracing evidence of O'Shea's enlistment. The claim was, however, passed on the 17th inst., and arrears of the allowance have been paid.
To ask the Minister for Defence if it is correct to state that several applications for dependents' allowance have been made on behalf of Private James Gilmartin, Cappaneale, Birr, Offaly, now attached to 1st Regular Garrison, Carlow Brigade (joined 25th August, 1922), and if and when he will be in a position to deal with this claim?
Two applications were received from Mrs. Gilmartin who, on three occasions, was asked to complete a Declaration Form. The receipt of that Form cannot be traced, but the claim is, however, being investigated urgently.