asked the Minister for Defence whether he is yet in a position to say whether payment has been made to Matthew F. O'Reilly, of Clare Road, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo, in respect of a claim for motor hireage, etc., which has been lodged by him and for payment of which repeated applications have been made; and whether he is aware that O'Reilly is in straitened circumstances owing to the great delay in settling his account.
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - HIRE OF MOTOR CAR.
A claim for £43 16s. 0d. in respect of motor hire and accessories supplied during the period from July to November, 1922, and during March, April and May, 1923, was received from Mr. M.F. O'Reilly, Clare Street, Ballyhaunis, through Mr. Austin Crean, Solicitor. The claim was assessed at £36 9s. 3d., and payment was made on the 26th December, 1923. The difference between the account furnished and the amount paid represents deductions in respect of charges in excess of the rates laid down.
A further claim in respect of motor hire amounting to £87 7s. 0d. for the period from September, 1921, to April, 1922, has been received from Mr. O'Reilly through Messrs. T. Dillon-Leetch and Son, Solicitors. Portion of this claim, amounting to £60 13s. 0d., arose prior to the formation of the National Army, and cannot, therefore, be settled from Army funds. The general question of the settlement of claims incurred prior to the 1st February, 1922, is, however, under consideration. The remaining portion of Mr. O'Reilly's claim is under investigation, and it is expected that it will be disposed of at an early date.