asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that Mrs. Nora Murphy, 21 Henry Street, Cork, has made application for compensation for the loss of her brother, Richard Aylward, who was killed by a member of the Gárda Síochána in Cork, on March 9th, 1924; that compensation has not been paid to this applicant, and whether he is aware of the fact that deceased contributed largely to the support of the applicant, and that the applicant is now in very poor circumstances, and if he will have her application considered with a view to making her an ex-gratia payment.
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - APPLICATION FOR COMPENSATION (CORK).
I have given careful consideration to the claim under the Army Pensions Act, 1927, of Mrs. Nora Murphy, 21 Henry Street, Cork, in respect of the death of her brother, the late Private Richard Aylward, who was killed on the 9th March, 1924.
I find that at the time of her brother's death Mrs. Murphy was in receipt of the full rate of dependents' allowance in respect of her husband, who was then a member of the Forces. This rate of allowance was payable only in cases of total dependency, consequently Mrs. Murphy's claim in respect of her brother could not be entertained, as no award can be made under the Army Pensions Acts, 1923 and 1927, except in cases of total or partial dependency.
I regret that there is no power to make any payment by way of ex gratia grant.