asked the Minister for Defence if he will state why compensation has been refused to Patrick Quirke, Crossabeg, County Wexford, for injuries received through being knocked down by a military lorry driven by National troops, in February, 1923.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CROSSABEG COMPENSATION CLAIM.
Mr. Quirke's claim for compensation was disallowed on the grounds that it could not be established that the motor-car in question was a military vehicle or that it was driven by a member of the Army. The investigations go to show that the driver must have been a person who was wearing uniform without authority. In the circumstances the claim cannot be entertained as a charge against Army funds, and the claimant was so informed on the 7th August last.
Has the Minister any information that such a thing took place as that people wore uniform who were not authorised to do so?
It is known that there have been cases not in Wexford but in other counties.
Would the Minister not consider it the duty of the Ministry to find out definitely whether such was the case in Wexford before that would be taken as an excuse for refusing the claim of a man who was incapacitated?
I will undertake to look into the case and satisfy myself as to whether there is any ground for investigation.