Dáil Éireann debate -
Friday, 18 May 1923

Vol. 3 No. 16

PROPERTY LOSSES COMPENSATION.

The PRESIDENT

I beg to move: "That a sum not exceeding £7,385,000 be granted to complete the sum necessary to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending 31st March, 1924, for expenditure in respect of destruction and injuries to property on and after 21st January, 1919." A sum of £3,000,000 had been voted on account.

We have already dealt with the Damage to Property Act, and Deputies know all about that. Having regard to the lengthened discussions we have had on damage to property, this Vote, I think does not lend itself to very much criticism. In the case of compensation for pre-Truce damage, Deputies know that there is an International Commission dealing with that matter. We are parties to that arrangement, and I do not think that it lends itself to any particular criticism.

Mr. JOHNSON

On this Vote there is an item E, "Compensation for Damage to Railways: Expenditure under any agreement made between the Minister for Finance and the Railway Companies in respect of compensation for or reinstatement of property of Railway Companies damaged or destroyed in the post-Truce period." I think I am right in saying that before this matter was to be discussed on the Estimates we were to have had presented to the Dáil the agreement which has been entered into with the Railway Companies.

The PRESIDENT

I thought I brought the agreement down here.

Mr. JOHNSON

I do not think I have seen it.

Mr. DARRELL FIGGIS

I never saw it.

The PRESIDENT

I certainly read it out. I can supply copies of it any moment. I have had them for the last month.

Mr. JOHNSON

I may say that quite a number of people have been asking me if I could supply them with a copy of the agreement that was promised, and I have not been able to do so.

The PRESIDENT

I was under the impression it had been circulated.

Mr. JOHNSON

I think it has not been. Certain members were very anxious that I should tell them the terms of this agreement, and I have not been able to do so because I had only seen it in confidence. I suggest, under these circumstances, that this Vote had better be postponed.

The PRESIDENT

Very good. I am perfectly willing.

Vote postponed.