asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the result of the consideration promised to the claims for compensation in the following cases:— John Ward, 30 Railway Street, Dublin; Thomas Flanagan, 38 Railway Street, Dublin; Patrick Farrelly, 86 Railway Street, Dublin; Patrick Hickey, 38 Lower Gloucester Street, Dublin; Minnie McCoy, 26 Waterford Street, Dublin; all of whom were wounded by National troops, firing on an escaping prisoner, on 19th May last; whether, if not eligible for compensation, he will take steps to have their case considered for an ex gratia payment.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - WOUNDED CIVILIANS' CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION.
It has been found that any wounds received by Messrs. Ward, Flanagan, Farrelly, Hickey and Miss Coy were the result of the discharge of firearms by some person or persons unknown assisting the escape of a man who was about to be arrested. The persons mentioned are not eligible for compensation from public funds. It is regretted that it is not feasible to entertain the suggestion as regards making them ex gratia payments.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, in which he states that these wounds were inflicted by some person or persons unknown, is he aware that these men were in the uniform of the National Army, and that they must be known to somebody?
I am not aware that the persons who fired those shots were in the uniform of the National Army, and I will be glad to receive any evidence to that effect. A full inquiry was held into the matter, and at this inquiry the persons named in the answer were allowed to give evidence and were cross-examined. No evidence was brought forward at that inquiry to that effect.
Mr. BYRNE
This is the first time it was contradicted.