asked the Minister for Finance if he will state why compensation has not yet been paid to John Kiernan, Tullaghanstown, Navan, Co. Meath,, whose house, furniture, out-offices, farming implements and machinery were burned by Irregulars on the 29th April, 1923; if he is aware that on an appeal the Judge made an award of £1,600 in January, 1926, and whether he will make the necessary inquiries into the case and if possible have this claim paid immediately.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - DELAY IN PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION (CO. MEATH).
Payment cannot be made until the original decree and order on appeal have been received by the Department.
Is the Minister aware that this claim is only one of two cases in County Meath where an appeal has been made, and that Kiernan has started to rebuild, but that through want of funds he has had to stop?
The position, as I know it, is that in the first instance a decree for £1,800 was given by the Circuit Judge. We appealed and this was reduced to £1,605, but the applicant's solicitor has not yet lodged the decree and order with us, and until he does so we can do nothing.
Will the Minister take steps to see that this claim will be settled as soon as possible?
As I have already told the Deputy, until the applicant's solicitor does his part of the work we can do nothing.