asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that the premises of the Ex-Servicemen's Club in Fermoy have been taken over compulsorily by the Board of Works for the accommodation of the Gárda Síochána; whether a representative of the Board of Works promised the officials of the Club that they would be fully compensated both for the £200 worth of improvements they had made in the premises and also for disturbance, and whether, as nothing has been paid, he will expedite the settlement of this claim.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - PREMISES OF FERMOY EX-SERVICEMEN.
The premises referred to in this question consist of the old R.I.C. Barrack, in which the Civic Guard at Fermoy are accommodated. It was held by the R.I.C. on a lease for 21 years from 1903, the interest in which passed to the Free State Government.
Between the dates of vacation by the R.I.C. and that of occupation by the Civic Guard the premises were occupied by the Legion of Irish Ex-Servicemen. Such occupation took place without the knowledge or consent of the Free State Government, and no claim by the Legion of Ex-Servicemen in respect of disturbance or for improvements would ordinarily lie against the Government, which, under the lease, is not responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the premises.
I am having inquiries made regarding the promise of compensation which is stated to have been made by the representative of the Board of Works, and concerning which the Commissioners of Public Works have no knowledge.