asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that Michael Hughes, Army No. 20545, 23rd Infantry Battalion, Connolly Barracks, Longford, whose present address is Great Water Street, Longford, was not paid from November 8th, 1922, to April 20th, 1923; whether he is aware that Captain Seán Moore, who is stationed in Buncrana, Co. Donegal, received the claimant's pay-book on the 14th December, 1922, and still has possession of it, and if he will have inquiries made in this case and payment forwarded.
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - LONGFORD SOLDIER'S PAY.
SEAN O LAIDHIN
Records are available which show that payment was issued to Mr. Hughes for at least portion of the period mentioned by the Deputy. Furthermore, in accordance with regulations any claims for arrears of pay for the 1922-23 period should have been submitted not later than the 1st December, 1924. There is no trace of any application from Mr. Hughes before that date. In all the circumstances, therefore, I regret that the claim cannot be entertained.