asked the Minister for Defence whether Mrs. C.B. McKeown, Moneenroe, Castlecomer, is in receipt of dependent's allowance in respect of her son, Martin Brennan McKeown, who enlisted in the Engineers, and who prior to enlistment contributed three pounds per week to the home, and in respect of whom her assessment came to only eight pounds odd as a total; also in this case if he can explain why the assessment was so small as seven shillings per week, and whether he will take this case into consideration and have it reviewed.
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - DEPENDENT'S ALLOWANCE.
Mr. Brennan is not now serving with the Forces and his mother is not, therefore, in receipt of dependent's allowance. As regards the other portion of the question, I would refer the Deputy to the reply given here by my predecessor on the 16th May last, in which it was stated that the net financial loss to the home through Sergeant McKeown's enlistment amounted to about 15/- per week. In respect of this extent of dependence an allowance of 7/- per week, as specified by regulations, was issued to Mr. McKeown. These regulations were based on a recognition of an obligation for a soldier to contribute at least 8/- a week towards the upkeep of his home whilst serving in the Army. In accordance with the regulations the allowance was issued only from the 4th August, 1923, the date on which application was made. I regret that the case cannot be further considered.