asked the Minister for Defence if he will state whether he proposes to return shot guns taken up by members of the Royal Irish Constabulary, and similar guns commandeered by the I.R.A. prior to the truce, on application from the owners who furnish him with copies of receipts for guns so taken, and, if so, whether he will state the reason why such guns have not been returned to the following owners, who applied to the Quartermaster-General or Chief Ordnance Officer, giving necessary vouchers as to such guns having been collected, viz., James Maher, Monsea, Nenagh, date taken by R.I.C., as shown by receipt, 31st August, 1920; Vincent Power, Summerhill, Nenagh, 1 gun taken by I.R.A., 14th August, 1920, 1 gun taken by R.I.C., 2nd September, 1920; Thomas Mackey, Dublin Road, Nenagh, 2 guns surrendered by him to I.R.A. on 14th August, 1920; John Delaney, Ballylisheen, Killeen, Nenagh, 1 gun surrendered to R.I.C., 9th September, 1920; Philip Gleeson, Clonolea, Toomevara, Nenagh, 1 gun taken up by R.I.C., Toomevara.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - OWNERS' APPLICATIONS FOR RETURN OF GUNS.
DOMHNALL O MUIRGHEASA
Guns taken up by the late R.I.C., and those commandeered by the I.R.A., so far as they can be traced, are being returned to owners licensed to hold them. In the cases of the persons mentioned, efforts have been made to find their guns, but up to the present without success. These efforts are, however, being continued, and the results will be communicated as soon as possible.
Will the Minister say if it is the intention of the Government to compensate people from whom guns were taken, and which cannot now be traced or found?
I should like the Deputy to put down a question with regard to that because there are different classes of "takings."
Will the Minister say that in any cases where it can be proved that the guns were taken by officers or members of the Republican Army on the authority of that body, there will be compensation in such cases where guns cannot now be found and returned to the owners?
Perhaps the question Deputy Morrissey will put down will cover that point.