asked the Minister for Defence if he has received repeated applications from and on behalf of Mrs. M. J. Molloy, 5 Townsend Street, Birr, Offaly, claiming payment of burial expenses for her son, Private James Molloy (No. 67043), who died at the Curragh whilst on active service; whether he is aware that the body was claimed by the mother and refused by officers on the Curragh, and whether the same was subsequently handed over to the mother at her house; if he will state the reason why it is declined to pay all funeral expenses or whether the claim for compensation will be dealt with under the Army Pensions Act, 1927.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - ARMY PENSIONS ACT CLAIM.
I have received certain claims in connection with the burial expenses of the late James Molloy, No. 67043, two of which were discharged; a third in respect of grave space was disallowed on the presumption that the local funeral arrangements were carried out by the deceased's relatives. I now find that the arrangements were in fact made by the military, and the account for grave space will accordingly be discharged. A further claim for cost of cars at funeral is at present under consideration. The suggestion that the body was claimed by the mother and refused by officers on the Curragh is not in accordance with the facts.
The case does not come within the provisions of the Army Pensions Act, 1927, and there is no legislation in force under which a claim for compensation could be considered.
Is the Minister aware that the aged mother has been summoned to appear before the next Circuit Court of the area for the recovery of debts arising out of the death and funeral expenses of her son, and will he see, so far as he can help in this direction, that her claim is discharged at once?
Certainly.