asked the Minister for Justice if he is now prepared to reconsider the case of Edward Butler, Ballaghmore, Co. Carlow, in respect of a cow, heifer, and horse, his property, which were taken from the farm at Kilmaglush by National Troops on July 24th last; and whether, in view of the fact that this man and his family are in extreme want by reason of the loss of his stock, which was his principal means of existence, he will undertake to grant him compensation.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - SEIZURE OF LIVE STOCK AT BALLYMORE.
It is not intended to retain any of the moneys received from the sale of trespassing cattle seized prior to the passing of the Public Safety Act, 1923, by the military forces. It is proposed, in the first instance, to compensate all persons whose stock was seized in error or who can show that the trespass was other than wilful. When this has been done it is intended to return to the owners of seized stock the net proceeds of the sale in proportion to the value of the stock at the time of seizure. Arrangements are at present being made to carry out this distribution, and it is hoped that it will be completed shortly.
In the case of the seizure of trespassing cattle on the lands of Mr. H. B. Cornwall-Brady, when Edward Butler's stock were seized, the sale resulted in a loss owing to the fact that the horses seized were suffering from mange.
I cannot, therefore, undertake that any payment will be made to Mr. Butler, but I will consider the case if any funds are found to be available.