asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that Mrs. Maria Brennan, 49 Church Street, Dublin, was wounded during the fighting at the Four Courts, and, as a result, lost her left eye; if he is aware that the award made in this case is only £20, and if he will have this claim reconsidered with a view to granting a more adequate award.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CLAIM FOR LOST EYE.
I must refer the Deputy to the answer given to a previous question.
Mr. BYRNE
Arising out of the Minister's answer, may I ask him whether he considers £20 adequate compensation for a woman who lost her eye as a result of the shooting in the Four Courts? Does that award of £20 coincide with the answer to the first question that reasonable and adequate compensation was being paid?
I have no doubt at all that the Committee, which includes a Judge, a doctor, and an independent outsider, did take the facts of the case into consideration. I do not know whether the Deputy has the facts right or not, but I believe this Committee has dealt fairly with the case, and will deal fairly with all cases coming before it. I will make inquiry as regards this particular case.
Mr. BYRNE
I ask the Minister to make inquiry into that case as well as the cases of the two other persons seriously injured. I would point out that the total award for the three is £50 —£50 to be divided between three citizens of Dublin. Can he say if he will give reasonable consideration to the appeals of these people?
The last case is the only case that on the face of it seems to merit further consideration.