asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that no compensation has been yet granted to Mr. Thomas O'Donnell, Long Lane, Carrick-on-Suir, in respect of his wife and son, who were shot dead on August 10th, 1922, in their own home, by a National soldier; and, further, if he is aware that no inquiry has been held in respect of this case, and, also, that on three occasions when the coroner summoned the jury, the principal military witnesses were not in attendance, and to ask, in view of this, whether an inquiry will now be held and responsibility fixed in the matter, and, further, whether the question of compensating Mr. O'Donnell will receive due consideration and payment be expedited.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CARRICK-ON-SUIR FATALITY.
SEAN O LAIDHIN
I am aware that no compensation has yet been paid to Mr. O'Donnell in respect of his wife and son who were accidentally shot by a member of the National Forces on the 10th August, 1922. The mishap has been investigated by a Military Court of Inquiry, at which several civilian witnesses, including Mr. O'Donnell and his daughter, gave evidence. The court found that Mrs. O'Donnell and her son were fatally shot by the accidental discharge of a soldier's rifle—such discharge having occurred during an attempt to disarm him. The failure of certain military witnesses to attend at the inquest was due to the abnormal situation which then existed in the country, but the soldier concerned in the shooting did attend. The question of making an ex-gratia payment to Mr. O'Donnell by way of compensation, is at present under consideration, and it is hoped that payment will be made at an early date.
DOMHNALL O MUIRGHEASA
asked the Minister for Defence if he has received an application from Thomas O'Donnell, Long Lane, Carrick-on-Suir, for compensation for the loss of his wife and son, who were shot dead by a member of the National Army in August, 1922; and, if so, whether steps will be taken to expedite payment of such compensation as may be awarded.
The answer is the same as to the last question.