asked the Minister for Defence whether compensation will be paid to Mrs. R. Gaynor, Ballinatue, Ballynacargy, Westmeath, in respect of her son, Private Bernard Gaynor (No. 29453), who died in St. Bricin's Hospital on the 31st March, 1926; and if the Minister is aware that Mrs. Gaynor is in very poor circumstances and whether the payment of compensation in this case will be expedited.

As the disability from which Private Gaynor died is not attributable to a wound or injury, Mrs. Gaynor's claim does not come within the scope of the Army Pensions Act, 1923. I regret that compensation cannot therefore be paid to her. She was so informed on the 16th June last.

Is the Minister aware that this man spent three years and fifty-four days in the National Army, and that he contracted disease in Castlebar while serving?

The 1923 Act did not provide for disease.

Will the Minister say whether any compensation can be granted under the amending Bill?

That question will have to be tried.

Will the Minister have this case tried again? Is this woman, whose son died for you, to go into a workhouse in Westmeath? Will this case be reconsidered?