asked the Minister for Defence if he can state (a) the number of officers and men of the Irish Volunteers who lost their lives during the Anglo-Irish war from Easter Monday, 1916, until the 6th December, 1921; (b) the number of officers and men who lost their lives from the 10th of January, 1922, until the 1st of April, 1924; further, if he can state the amount of compensation awarded to the relatives of all the deceased under these heads during these periods.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - IRISH VOLUNTEER AND NATIONAL ARMY LOSSES.
SEAN O LAIDHIN
Approximately 600 officers and men of the Volunteers lost their lives from Easter Monday, 1916, to the 6th December, 1921, and about 800 officers and men of the Army lost their lives from the 10th January, 1922, to the 1st April, 1924. Up to date a sum of £3,909 18s. 10d. has been awarded as compensation to the relatives of deceased officers and men for the period from Easter Monday, 1916, to the 6th December, 1921, and £1,790 0s. 8d. has been awarded for the period from the 10th January, 1922, to the 1st April, 1924.
Can the Minister say when it is likely the cases of relatives of deceased officers and men who lost their lives since 16th December, 1921, and up to the 1st April, 1924, will be dealt with? There are large numbers of these cases in the country where the aged parents at the present time are almost dependent on home help, or on the funds of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Although these people have written several times making inquiries they never received any acknowledgment of their letters.
The question is too long for me to deal with. If the Deputy will put down another question I will endeavour to answer it.