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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Oct 1922

Vol. 1 No. 16

CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - DESTROYED PROPERTY.

AILFRID O BROIN

To ask the Minister for Home Affairs if he will take steps to introduce a protective measure, similar to the Courts Emergency Powers Act, to protect traders whose property and business were destroyed during the present troubles, and whether he is aware that many such traders throughout Ireland have been threatened with legal proceedings for rent of destroyed premises and costs of destroyed goods, and if he will take steps to see that unnecessary hardship and trouble is not imposed on these traders.

Mr. KEVIN O'HIGGINS

It is not the intention of the Government to consider the introduction of any legislative measures of this kind before the Constitution is enacted, and accordingly it is not possible, at the moment, to give protection of the kind indicated to traders whose property and business have been destroyed during the present trouble. No doubt there must be a certain amount of hardship falling on such traders in the matter of their legal liabilities, and whilst it is difficult, in view of the great destruction of property in the country, to alleviate the many hardships to which people have been subjected, earnest consideration will be given to any specific representations which may be made to the Ministry indicating what relief might be given pending possible legislation.

AILFRID O BROIN

Arising out of the honourable member's reply, may I ask whether he will take steps to immediately appoint a Committee of Inquiry to deal with cases of these people, so that urgent cases will be met and recommendations submitted from the Committee for immediate payment.

Mr. K. O'HIGGINS

I will not undertake the appointment of such a Committee. I will undertake to consider the appointment of such a Committee.

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