asked the Minister for Defence if he will take steps to pay the pension to which she is entitled to the wife of a recently retired soldier (name supplied) who has deserted her and her family leaving them in very poor circumstances.

The whereabouts of the ex-soldier referred to in the Deputy's question are unknown to my Department. In the absence of proof that he is alive payment of the pension awarded to him under the Defence Forces (Pensions) Schemes cannot be made to anyone.

Will the Minister tell us what action he has taken to trace the whereabouts of this particular individual?

It is a rather delicate family matter. I do not know if it is fair to the people concerned to have it raised here.

Will the Minister state whether this pension has been drawn or received since this particular man left the country?

Not one penny has been paid to anybody.