asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that Mrs. Mary Ellen Lowe, formerly of Liverpool, has been awarded compensation to the amount of only £100, to be paid in quarterly instalments, under the Army Pensions Act, 1924, in respect of her son, Patrick, who was in the National Army and who was killed in an ambush in Capel Street; whether he is aware that this woman and her family, when living in Liverpool in the pre-Truce period, were, as a result of taking part in operations in that district, dismissed from their employment as well, one son being captured and sentenced to ten years' penal servitude in Dartmoor; that her remaining sons were discharged from the Army and are since unemployed; whether, in view of these facts, he will have this case reconsidered, as this woman is destitute.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - COMPENSATION FOR SON'S DEATH.
The change in Mrs. Lowe's circumstances as a result of her son's death were duly investigated. It was ascertained that she had been partially dependent on him, and she is not, therefore, entitled to a pension. She was, however, granted the maximum gratuity payable under the Army Pensions Act, 1923.
Will the Minister deal with the second part of the question, which asks if this woman will get any compensation for the loss of her employment, the loss of her home, and the loss of employment for two sons as a result of their activities concerning farm fires in Liverpool—activities that were participated in upon instructions from the City of Dublin?
As far as I can see, there is no interrogation to that effect. If information is submitted by the Deputy I would be prepared to go into this case.
Mr. BYRNE
May I ask if there is any Department that would consider such a claim for the losses I have mentioned? If I get an opportunity on the adjournment I could give some details concerning this case and the very shabby treatment that was meted out to this woman. Owing to the activity of her sons her home was lost, her position as a caretaker at 30s. a week was lost, and her two sons lost their employment. The family were sent back to Dublin because of their activities. One son was killed in an ambush in Dublin, and the handsome reward given was £100, to be paid in quarterly instalments.
I think the Deputy has availed of his opportunity.
The Deputy knows quite well that that is not the way to deal with cases like that.
Mr. BYRNE
Will the Minister tell me what way I can deal with it?