(An Clár) asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that a large account is still due by the Military to Mr. John O'Donohue, Scariff, Co. Clare, and that a large amount of that account is due since May, 1920, and if he will expedite payment.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - ARMY ACCOUNTS—CLARE CLAIM
PADRAIC O hOGAIN
The account in question relates to a period prior to the Treaty. The position at that time was that responsibility for discharging any liabilities incurred rested on local Volunteer Authorities. Claims of the period cannot be paid out of funds voted by the Dáil for the maintenance of the present army. The general question as to what extent and from what funds any of those claims may be settled has yet to get attention. Pending a decision Mr. O'Donohue's account cannot be given consideration.
Will the Minister say if, in the past—say about 12 months ago —the Government has not made payment under the heading of accounts or bills brought up through orders received from responsible officers of the old Volunteers prior to the Truce?
I hardly think that is so. At any rate, they cannot have been on all fours with the accounts referred to in the question.
If the accounts are vouched for by an officer considered competent to vouch for them, will they get consideration?
The whole matter will have to get consideration; but there are no funds available at present for paying claims of this particular type.
Is the Minister aware that since the signing of the Treaty considerably over £100 were paid to a merchant named Kiernan of Hatchestown, Co. Meath? If he is not already aware of that I think it will assist him in coming to a decision on the matter.
If the Deputy will let me have particulars, I will have the matter attended to.
I do not think I could let the Minister have particulars. He would, I am sure, get that information in the records of the Quartermaster's Division.
I would ask the Deputy to communicate to me any information he has on the subject.