asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that on 20th January, 1920, Michael Burke, Dunmanway, was awarded the sum of £50 compensation for hay maliciously burned, and that the Cork County Council has not yet paid the sum awarded.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ ORAL ANSWERS. ] - CORK COMPENSATION AWARD.
I think this question should be addressed to the Minister for Finance.
I have been informed of the fact that the compensation to which the Deputy refers was awarded as stated, the decree in question having been already brought under my notice. No question of payment by the County Council arises in the case of such decrees, the State having in general assumed liability within the special period from 21st January, 1919, to 11th July, 1921, for payment of compensation in the first instance.
As the Cork County Council customarily appeared up to 22nd June, 1920, to oppose claims for malicious injury, there is a presumption that the decree in question will be classed as a defended case, and will therefore rank for payment in full without being reviewed by the Compensation (Ireland) Commission. I have as yet, however, received no reply to a communication sent to the Clerk of the Crown and Peace on the 11th April last for the purpose of obtaining definite information on this point. A second application has now been addressed to the official concerned.
Does that mean that it is a case for the Shaw Commission?
Yes, it is.