asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that a Chevriolet motor car, valued at £350, chassis No. 2A19066, the property of Mr. Reginald Alvey, Rock House, Fontstown, Athy, Co. Kildare, was handed over by Lieutenant Seán Kenny, at present serving in Naas Barracks, to Captain Hamilton, O.C., Naas; whether the car was seen there by the owner about October, 1922, when Captains Tuite, Joyce, Keogh, and Lieutenant Kenny were serving there; whether the car was used by Lieutenant Hyland, O.C., Transport Corps, for military duty, and was afterwards transferred to Collins Barracks, Dublin; whether Mr. Toomey, Solicitor, Athy, forwarded claims for compensation on behalf of the owners to Claims Office, who did not reply; and whether he will have enquiries made amongst the officers mentioned with a view to compensation.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - AN ATHY MOTOR CAR.
I am informed that a Chevriolet car was seized from Mr. Alvey by armed men on the 15th August, 1922, and was subsequently found by troops abandoned on the roadside at Rathangan. The owner being then unknown, the car was used for a period for military duties, and is now lying damaged at Collins Barracks.
A claim under the Damage to Property (Compensation) Act, 1923, has, I understand, been lodged by Mr. Toomey, Solicitor, with the Minister for Finance, who is now dealing with the matter.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, in that connection, will he say whether these claims can be paid pending the passing of the Amending Act? I have seen some replies which state that the claim could not be paid pending the passing of another Act, which is now before the Dáil.
I would like to get notice of that.
Will the Minister say when Mr. Alvey may expect a definite decision in the case? It is going on a long time.
I am afraid that question will have to be addressed to the Minister for Defence.