asked the Minister for Defence if a claim for £54, consisting of a claim for £4 on account of light and fuel used, and £50 on account of damage to furniture, loss sustained owing to being obliged to seek lodgings, etc., was lodged by Mr. James Fox, of Emly, Co. Tipperary; if this claim was due to the commandeering of the premises of Mr. Fox from the 29th July to the 11th August, 1922, by National Army troops; if an offer of settlement has been yet made to Mr. Fox, and in view of the losses and inconvenience suffered by him payment of the claim will be expedited.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - COMMANDEERING OF EMLY PREMISES.
A claim as described arising out of the commandeering of his house for the period stated was received from Mr. Fox. Mr. Fox also made a claim in respect of the accommodation and meals provided for the troops and this claim was settled by my Department. Part of the payment must, of course, be regarded as corresponding to compensation in respect of his having been obliged to seek lodgings elsewhere. In view of this, the only portions of the claim mentioned by the Deputy which could be entertained were those relating to abnormal lighting, damage to premises and furniture, clearing away sandbags, etc. In respect of these items, I understand that the Commissioners of Public Works paid Mr. Fox £2 7s. 0d. in October, 1923. The whole claim must therefore be regarded as having been settled and Mr. Fox was given to understand that this was so in June of last year.