asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that ex-Corporal Ward (41015) has had his emergency gratuity withheld because of his failure to surrender married quarters occupied by him (reference No. D.P. 13047) and if, in view of the difficulty of those occupying married quarters in securing housing accommodation, he will see that moneys due to ex-soldiers will not be withheld; further, if he will arrange to provide housing accommodation, from Army or other Government grants, for those who are being demobilised.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing of Ex-Soldiers.
An emergency gratuity has been withheld from ex-Corporal Ward pending his vacating married quarters. Credits have had to be withheld in this and other cases to meet sums chargeable under the regulations for overholding of married quarters by discharged personnel. It is not proposed to provide special housing accommodation from public funds for members of the Defence Forces who are being demobilised.
Is the Minister satisfied that he is acting legally in withholding men's gratuities or pay in order to use it as a lever to get them to leave married quarters at a time when they have no place else to go? Does the Minister know that one cannot get a room in a tenement in Dublin at the moment under £1 a week? Why is the Minister tolerating or allowing men who served in the I.R.A. since 1913, and in the National Army up to a month ago, to be thrown out of their homes while the Army authorities owe them money? Why will not the Army authorities give them an advance in order to get housing accommodation somewhere? Why will you not give them money to enable them to pay rent? The position is that they have no alternative but to go to the Dublin Union. These men deserve some sympathy and this matters calls for an inquiry. I think the Minister should see that these men will not be pitched out on the roadside or forced to go to the Dublin Union. They have served the country well and, as it is said, by their actions, they have put most of you in the jobs you now hold.
I have nothing to add to the reply I have given the Deputy.
Surely some effort could be made to give them an advance for the Christmas season?