asked the Minister for Home Affairs if he has received a resolution from Athy Farmers' Union pointing out (1) that no claim for compensation for malicious injury from the district has been heard since 1921, (2) stating that County Court Judge Drumgoole's duties will not permit him to deal with such cases for a considerable time, and (3) asking for the appointment of a deputy County Court Judge, and whether, in view of these representations, he will accede the request for the appointment of a deputy.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - ATHY FARMERS' UNION RESOLUTION.
I have received the resolution referred to and I have been in consultation with the Minister for Finance on the subject. It is understood that Judge Drumgoole will shortly be able to deal with the claims which are not particularly numerous and will probably not take long to dispose of. In the circumstances it is not considered that there is any necessity for the appointment of a deputy County Court Judge.
Arising out of that answer, is the Minister aware that the professional gentlemen in Co. Kildare received an intimation lately from County Court Judge Drumgoole that his other duties will not allow him to take up the hearing of compensation claims in May, as announced, and that it will probably be November before he is able to take up those claims? I can give the Minister information on this matter.
Mr. O'HIGGINS
I think the Deputy had better put down a separate question, or give me or send me the information at his disposal.