asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the delay in paying awards made by the Courts, and if he will expedite the payment of same.
CEISTEANNA.—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - EXPEDITING PAYMENT OF AWARDS.
Certain enquiries are necessary to give effect to the provisions of the Damage to Property (Compensation) Act, 1923, before awards can be paid, and I am satisfied that there is no avoidable delay.
Mr. BYRNE
Is the Minister aware that awards were made so far back as last February and that they are not yet paid?
I do not know, but I could inquire in any particular case if so desired.
Mr. BYRNE
I will give the Minister particulars of the case.
Is the Minister aware that he is the only person who is satisfied that there is no avoidable delay, and that the claimants and people receiving awards are complaining bitterly?
A complaint in that case admits of some explanation as to who is the responsible party. I have had inquiries made into a case and I found that it was the solicitor of the person who made the claim and who was getting the award who was responsible for the delay.
I am quite satisfied the matter is being as well attended to as it could be and that there is really no good ground for complaint in this particular case.
Mr. BYRNE
Is the Minister aware that the case I have in mind is one in which property was destroyed two years ago in Findlater's Place? An award was made by the Recorder last February and on four occasions within the last four months the claimant got notice saying that the Recorder's report had not yet been received.
We have given special clerical assistance to the Clerk of the Peace in Dublin to enable him to hasten the matter of dealing with those claims so that the reports and the awards may be sent on to us. We have given all the assistance that could be given.