asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that a large number of accounts still remain unpaid by Army Authorities in Cork City and County, such as billeting of troops accounts, motors, etc., commandeered and damaged accounts; that many of these accounts are still outstanding since last September and October; whether the Minister will have payments expedited in these cases, and whether, in the case of persons seriously financially embarrassed as a result of the delay in paying these accounts, the Minister will confer with the Minister for Finance and arrange that a certain reasonable sum of on account be advanced in such cases, pending final investigation and disbursement.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - ARMY ACCOUNTS (CORK COUNTY).
A considerable clearance has taken place in the matter of paying outstanding accounts in the Cork area. The number that at present remain unpaid are comparatively small and consists principally of accounts whose certification is difficult owing to the particular circumstances in which they were incurred. A special responsible Officer has, within the last few days, been sent to Cork to report on the immediate steps required to clear up all outstanding accounts in the City and County.
I should be glad to receive from the Deputy a written statement of any information at his disposal that might help in the matter.