asked the Minister for Defence whether he will have some allowance granted to Mrs. Anne Welsh, at present residing at 48 Fontenoy Street, Dublin, in respect of her brother, Lieutenant M.J. Keane, who was killed by a sentry in Ballymahon, County Longford, on the 25th December, 1923; whether he is aware that the sum of £75 allowed then was inadequate, as the late Lieutenant Keane was the chief support of his sister.

An ex-gratia award of £75 was made to Mrs. Welsh in respect of her brother, Lieutenant M.J. Keane, who was killed at Ballymahon on the 25th December, 1923. I have fully considered the matter, but the circumstances of the case are not such as would justify me in increasing the amount of the award, or granting an allowance.