asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that a boy named Pierce Lewis was killed in the Military Barracks at Killaloe, on Sunday, the 16th September, 1923; whether the result of the investigations held on September 25th and on October 5th have yet been received by him; whether it is proposed to compensate the parents of the boy, and, if so, has the amount of compensation been yet determined.
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - BOY'S DEATH IN KILLALOE MILITARY BARRACKS.
I am aware of the occurrence and have received the findings of a court of inquiry. There is no legal liability attached to the military authorities to pay compensation. However, having regard to all the circumstances an ex gratia payment of £12 is being made to the parents of Pierce Lewis.