asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state whether it is the policy of his Department to withhold payment of widows' and orphans' pensions to the widows and orphans of sailors who receive moneys by way of compensation for the loss of their husbands or fathers through belligerent action.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Widows and Orphans of Sailors.
The reply is in the negative. The Widows' and Orphans' Pensions Acts were designed to cover only ordinary peacetime mortality, and the position which has arisen as a consequence of seamen serving in Irish ships losing their lives owing to belligerent action is being considered in relation to the payments being paid or likely to be paid by way of compensation in such cases.