asked the Minister for Defence whether he will expedite payment of pension or gratuity to Mrs. Anastasia Ryan, 28 Hospital Street, Kildare, in respect of her son, Volunteer Thomas Ryan, Army No. 41316, A Company, 7th Battalion, who died on the 26th November, 1924, from meningitis caused by the falling of a sand-bag on his head while stationed at Baldonnell Camp.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - ARMY ACCOUNT (KILDARE CLAIM).
I have no knowledge of the accident to which the Deputy refers. Unless it caused an injury previous to the 30th September, 1923, which led to the death of Thomas Ryan, I regret that I am not at present in a position to entertain an application for the grant of a pension or gratuity to his mother. The date I have mentioned is the date of termination of the period of military service to which the Army Pensions Act, 1923, applies. I am, however, considering the general question of compensation for injuries received by officers and soldiers after that date. When a decision has been reached, the Deputy's question, which is the first application I have received in Mrs. Ryan's case, will be given further attention.