asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the shortage of housing accommodation in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin, he will issue instructions that prior to any compensation being paid to the owner of the seven cottages in Clonard Street, Balbriggan, which were burned during the Black-and-Tan regime, he will secure a guarantee that the compensation so awarded will be used for rebuilding purposes.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - HOUSING ACCOMMODATION AT BALBRIGGAN.
Mr. O'HIGGINS (for Minister for Finance)
When the Compensation (Ireland) Commission attached to their award a condition that the whole or any part thereof is to be applied in the reinstatement of the structure, the amount awarded is normally greater than it would have been had no such condition been imposed. In the case referred to by the Deputy a decree by the Recorder of Dublin for £2,600 0s. Od. was reduced by the Commission to the sum of £850 0s. Od. Had a rebuilding condition been enforced the presumption is that the amount of the award would have been considerably greater. Where the award is made free of any condition as to reinstatement, the Minister is not empowered to impose any condition or exact any such guarantee as that referred to by the Deputy.
Is it within the Minister's knowledge that the award was made with those conditions in mind?
Mr. O'HIGGINS
The Deputy will understand that I am answering this question for the President.