asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that Patrick Harrison, of Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, joined the National Army on the 12th February, 1922, and was attached to the 1st Westerns (No. 03403); that some months after enlisting he met with an accident while in the discharge of his military duties, and was transferred to South Infirmary, Cork, and subsequently to Marlborough Hall, Dublin, where, after about a week's detention, he was discharged from the Army on the 6th May, 1923; that as a result of the injury referred to he is mentally deranged and unable to work, and is now being supported by his mother, who is in very poor circumstances; whether applications for assistance have been made to the Military Authorities by Harrison or his mother, and, if so, with what result?
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - BALLINASLOE EX-SOLDIER'S CLAIM.
The circumstances were as stated. Applications for assistance have been received from Mrs. Harrison, but it is regretted that it is not possible to entertain them. Patrick Harrison has made a claim for a pension or gratuity under the Army Pensions Act, 1923, and this claim is under consideration. A decision will be expedited as much as possible.