asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that Private Patrick O'Reilly, Anne Street, Newbridge, County Kildare, Army No. B.3172, B Company, 9th Battalion, National Army, whilst on duty as sentry at Blackhorse Lane Barracks, Dublin, was seriously wounded in the right shoulder by the accidental discharge of his rifle on the 17th March last; further, that his discharge was effected on the 21st March (his discharge certificate stating that "he was unlikely to become efficient") although he was not discharged from St. Bricin's Hospital until the 13th April; that he is unable to use his arm: and, as he has a wife and child to provide for, whether the Minister will grant maintenance allowance or a gratuity to O'Reilly until such time as he regains the use of his arm.
WRITTEN ANSWER. - INJURED EX-SOLDIER.
The facts regarding the wounding and discharge from the forces of Mr. O'Reilly are as stated by the Deputy. As the accident was due to negligence on Mr. O'Reilly's part, I am unable to accede to the application for an allowance or gratuity.