asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the number of married men existing with wife and baby on single men's pay in National Army, and if he proposes to amend the regulations that prevent their receiving marriage allowance.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army and Marriage Allowance.
Mr. Byrne
There are no records available in my Department which would indicate the number of men serving in the Defence Forces who are married but are not in receipt of marriage allowance. It is not proposed to extend the scope of the existing regulations which govern the conditions requisite to the payment of marriage allowance.
Mr. Byrne
Is the Minister aware that there are in Dublin cases of grave hardship where there were boy and girl marriages? They are living on 16/- or 18/- a week, out of which they have to pay rent and, as a result, some of them have to apply to the Board of Public Assistance for help to procure food for the baby and themselves. Is that right or proper in the case of members of the National Army?
I am aware that I amended the regulations no later than June, 1942, to admit all persons who had reached the age of 23, the original age being 25, for marriage allowance. I further reduced the period of service from five years to two years, and I do not propose to extend that any further.
Mr. Byrne
Will the Minister say whether it is possible for a National Government to stop boy and girl marriages amongst those in the National Army, and if they cannot stop them, is it right and proper that the baby and young wife should go hungry or have to depend on the charity of the Board of Assistance? I earnestly appeal to the House——
An appeal to the House is not a question.
Mr. Byrne
Then I appeal to the Minister.
An appeal to the Minister is not in order.
Mr. Byrne
Then I put it to the Minister that the time has come to stop these boys and girls getting married.
Neither is that a supplementary question.
Mr. Byrne
I want to suggest to the Minister that there is a large number of boys and girls in the City of Dublin affected. Is it right and proper that soldiers' wives should be on starvation diet? I will press the House to support me in this.
The Deputy may not do so now.
Mr. Byrne
With your permission, Sir, I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.