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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 May 1924

Vol. 7 No. 2

CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - SUPPLIES FOR FLYING COLUMN.

asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that an account amounting to £85 18s. 7d. for goods supplied by the Columbkille Co-operative Society, Ltd., to the Longford flying column during the years 1920 and 1921 is still unpaid; whether a detailed statement of the account, with the names of the officers who took delivery of the goods, is in the hands of the Chief Claims Officer, Portobello Barracks, and was transmitted to him through Major-General McKeon, who verified the account, and whether, in view of the fact that this claim is so long unpaid, he will have it immediately attended to.

The facts appear to be as stated by the Deputy. Payment of the claim has not been made as the account arose during a period in respect of which claims cannot be discharged out of funds voted by the Dáil for the maintenance of the Army. The general question as to what extent and from what funds those claims may be settled is receiving attention. Pending a decision, consideration of the claim of the Columbkille Co-operative Society, Ltd., it is regretted, must be deferred.

Does the Minister feel it incumbent in honour to pay those claims and are such binding on the present Government?

Those claims are of a varied character, and I would not be in a position to answer a question of that sort unless the Deputy would segregate them. As to the question of honour, whatever liabilities Dáil Eireann during the troubled period undertook, Dáil Eireann will discharge. Those liabilities are not, I think, under that particular heading, and, therefore, the question of honour does not arise.

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