asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that Private Dempsey (B.3498) who enlisted in the Army in April, 1928, was transferred to the reserve in 1929, where he remained until he was recalled in 1939, and served in the Army until in March, 1942, he was sentenced to two months for an assault on his wife; and further that this man, who is now unemployed, has been refused an emergency gratuity; and, if so, if he will grant a gratuity on compassionate grounds in this case.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Man's Gratuity.
I am aware that Private Christopher Dempsey, who was transferred to the Reserve in July, 1928, and whose service otherwise is as stated, was discharged from the Forces on the 3rd March, 1942, consequent on his conviction by the civil power. The Government has decided that an emergency gratuity will not be awarded to a soldier discharged as a result of conviction by a civil court and, in the circumstances, an exception cannot be made in the case of ex-Private Dempsey.
Surely the stopping of this gratuity is a second punishment? The civil courts have taken appropriate action and now the military authorities sentence him a second time. I submit that is trying a person twice for the same offence.
Why could they not give the gratuity to the wife?