asked the Minister for Justice if he will state if the Amnesty Resolution passed by the Executive Council governs crime other than political crime; and, if not, whether the seizure of the creameries of the Condensed Milk Company of Ireland was regarded as a political crime, and, if so, whether he will recommend to the Minister for Finance that farmers who suffered loss owing to the seizures of the creameries should receive compensation for such loss, and, further, if he will recommend to the Executive Council that the terms of reference of the Property Losses (Compensation) Commission be extended so as to cover the claims of those farmers.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - SEIZURE OF CREAMERIES.
The Amnesty Resolution applies to all criminal acts which between the 6th December, 1921, and the 12th May, 1923, were committed or purported to be committed in connection, directly or indirectly, with the state of rebellion and public disturbances created by the attempt to overthrow by force the lawfully established Government of Saorstát Eireann.
The seizure of the creameries referred to by the Deputy comes within the category of crimes covered by this Resolution, and that effect might be given to the spirit of the Resolution it was decided not to institute proceedings against the persons concerned.
The question of compensation for farmers who suffered by the seizure is one which should be addressed, in the first instance, to the Minister for Finance.
Would the Minister say if in any case action has been taken against any person who would have come under the category of persons referred to in this Resolution and the imprisonment inflicted for any action taken within the period from 1921 to 1923, and if such action has been taken by the Executive Council, is that action legal or lawful?
Obviously, as I am not familiar with the details, I cannot say whether action has or has not been taken in the circumstances indicated by the Deputy, but I gather from this reply that as this type of crime is covered by the Amnesty Resolution no action had been taken or should be taken. If the Deputy sends in any statement as to action taken in a similar case, the whole thing can be considered in the light of his evidence.
Is it the intention of the Executive Council to seek legislative sanction for this indemnity resolution?
That is a separate matter.
The Deputy voted for the Bill.