asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that Sergeant James McCormack, of Coolrea, Robertstown, Co. Kildare, Army No. 26995, Mechanical Transport Corps, who attested on the 28th February, 1922, and who was discharged on the 28th March, 1924, his time having expired, has not yet been paid £39 15s. 0d. claimed for loss of a bicycle, and also in respect of civilian clothing worn out during his service, no uniform being available; whether the bicycle and other property were left in his barrack room on the Curragh Camp when, in July, 1922, he received only two minutes' notice to proceed to Limerick, where he served for about seven months, and consequently had no time to store his property safely, and if, in view of this, he will have enquiries made with a view to expediting payment.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - SOLDIER'S LOST BICYCLE.
The property which Mr. McCormack states he left in his quarters at the Curragh, and which cannot now be traced, was not handed over by him to military custody. His claim in respect of it cannot, therefore, be entertained. He was notified accordingly on the 19th ultimo. As regards civilian clothing stated by him to have been worn out during military service, the matter is under consideration. The necessary enquiries with a view to expediting payment are being made.
Does that mean that this man will not be entitled to any compensation for the loss of his bicycle? It must be remembered that this man was ordered from the Curragh to Limerick at two minutes' notice. Therefore, I think the officer in charge of the company should have looked after that man's bicycle when it was left in his barrack room.
My information is his billet at the Curragh is in nobody's care.
Would the President agree to make further inquiries into this man's case so that the man will have a chance of getting compensation for his property?
I will undertake to have inquiries made.