asked the Minister for Finance if he will state what amount of compensation was awarded and paid to the relatives and dependents of Messrs. O'Callaghan and Clancy, who were murdered in Limerick City by British Forces; and further, if he is aware that on the same night that those citizens were done to death a young man named Joseph O'Donohue, manager of a local meat shop, and a native of Ballinacargy, Co. Westmeath, was also murdered in his lodgings in the City of Limerick; if a claim was made by his relatives for compensation, and if that claim has been refused, although evidence was submitted to the effect that he was the mainstay and support of his aged mother and a number of brothers and sisters, of whom he was the eldest; if he is aware that not even one penny was allowed for burial expenses, and whether in view of these facts he will see if the case cannot be reopened and an ex gratia grant made to this man's dependents, as previously promised by the President.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - PRE-TRUCE COMPENSATION CLAIMS.
An ex gratia grant of £2,100 has been paid to Mrs. Clancy, widow of George Clancy (deceased), and an ex gratia grant of £3,600 has been paid to Mrs. O'Callaghan, widow of Michael O'Callaghan (deceased). The application of Mrs. Bridget O'Donohue for compensation in respect of the death of her son, Joseph O'Donohue, was investigated by the Compensation (Personal Injuries) Committee. As a result of the evidence presented to them at the hearing of the case and otherwise, the Committee found that the applicant and the other members of the family were not dependent upon the deceased, who was not the eldest member of the family as the Deputy states; and having regard to their terms of reference the Committee were unable to make a recommendation for the payment of compensation. In view of the fact that the Committee, to whom this case was twice referred back for reconsideration, did not find it possible to vary their original recommendation, I would not be justified in taking the course suggested by the Deputy.
I would be glad if the Minister would take the matter into consideration and re-open Mrs. O'Donohue's case. Her husband was murdered in Limerick City, and his people are not possessed of a lot of the world's goods.
The Deputy cannot make a speech.
I would like the Minister to re-open the case.
It has twice been referred back.
Would the Minister say whether the legal difficulty is the only difficulty?
There is no legal difficulty. The Committee which investigated the case found that there was no dependency and there being no dependency we will not pay any compensation or any money.