Vol. 196 No. 10
asked the Minister for Defence, with reference to a reply of 28th June 1962, whether the responsibility of the officer as referred to in the Question had been duly determined and ruled upon in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions; and, if so, if he will quote the said relevant statutory provisions.
24.
asked the Minister for Defence with reference to a reply of 28th June 1962 if he will state the statutory authority for the claim that a sum which could amount to £486 was so due and owing on the 31st July 1961.
I propose with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions 23 and 24 together. Paragraph 152 of Defence Force Regulations R.5—An Forsa Cosanta Áitiúil —makes the Unit Accounting Officer responsible for all duties connected with the receipt, care, custody and issue of all clothing, equipment, accoutrements and other stores on charge to the Unit. As at the 31st July, 1961, the officer had therefore, a financial responsibility, which could amount to £486 approximately, in relation to the stolen and otherwise deficient stores. As at that date, the amount which he would actually be called upon to pay had not been determined. Article 39A of the Defence Forces (Pensions) Scheme, 1937, as amended, provides that payment of gratuity may be withheld until the amount of the deduction to be made is ascertained.
I take it the simple answer to my question is that it was not determined on that date?
There seems to be a very fundamental difference of opinion here. Either the Minister is speaking the truth or he is not.
My supplementary was by way of interpretation.
