asked the Minister for Defence whether the investigation into the claim of Mrs. Mary Ruddy, Muingaroon, Barntra, Ballina, Co. Mayo, for a pension or gratuity under the Army Pensions Act, 1927, in respect to the loss of her son (John Ruddy, Army No. 22204), who was her only support, and who was discharged from the Army medically unfit on the 16th November, 1923, have yet been completed, and, if not, whether he can state when a decision in this case is likely to be reached.

Mrs. Ruddy is not eligible for an award in respect of her son's death, as the terms of the Act of 1927 require that before an award can be made in such cases death must have taken place within four years from the date of discharge from the National Army.