asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the reasons why Private James Christopher (431990) did not receive a gratuity or deferred pay, in respect of his service with the Army from 28th June, 1940, to 14th July, 1945.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Soldier's Gratuity.
Mr. Corish
Ex-Private James Christopher (431990) was not paid a gratuity in respect of his Army service from June, 1940, to July, 1945, because the award to him was debarred under the terms of paragraph 3 (xx) of Defence Force Regulations 4/1945 for the reason that he absented himself without leave on 22nd July, 1945, and was dismissed from the forces on 19th January, 1946, under Emergency Powers (No. 362) Order of 1945.
For the same reason, payment of deferred pay to him was debarred under the terms of paragraph 22a of Defence Force Regulations S.3.
Mr. Corish
In view of the fact that this man, having overstayed his leave to the extent of two or three days, gave himself up to the Guards would the Minister not reconsider some amendment of the regulation so as to make provision for such soldiers as this man, Christopher, who did give himself up?
There is no question of two or three days involved at all. He absented himself during the dates which I have just mentioned.