asked the Minister for Finance if he has received a claim from, or on behalf of, Miss K. McSweeney, Queen St., Tramore, Waterford, for compensation for destruction of her house and portion of her furniture (by order of British Forces as a military necessity) during pre-Truce period; whether he is aware that she was awarded £180 by Judge O'Brien at the Quarter Sessions in January, 1922, as compensation for loss of furniture; if he will state why same is still unpaid; whether the British Government are liable for payment of compensation for damage done under such circumstances, and if, in view of Miss McSweeney's failure to secure payment of compensation, he will make representations to the proper quarters to have this old outstanding claim disposed of.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - TRAMORE COMPENSATION CLAIM.
The decree mentioned by the Deputy was reviewed by the Compensation (Ireland) Commission and an award of £100 with £20 costs issued in substitution. This award will be discharged at a very early date.
The British Government have, it is understood, fixed the amount of compensation payable in respect of the damage attributable to Crown Forces. and a substantial payment has in fact already been made on account. My Department is at present in correspondence with the British authorities in regard to payment of the balance of the amount due.
Am I to understand from the Minister's reply that he is following up cases such as that mentioned in this question?
There are very few cases of that sort. There are perhaps five or six, which are being taken up.
The reason this question was raised—I happen to know the circumstances—was because the British War Office representative made an offer of a certain amount to this old lady and she has heard nothing about it since.
Has she not been paid part of it? Perhaps I should not question the Deputy.
Will the Minister follow up cases of this kind with the British Government?
Yes.