asked the Minister for Justice if any payment has been made to Mr. John Connole, Ballmalacken, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare, in respect of cattle seized by National troops in Clare in June, 1924; if he will state the amount paid; the amount realised for the sale of the cattle; the number of cattle seized, and the basis upon which the amount paid was calculated.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CATTLE SEIZURE IN CLARE.
Twelve cattle, the property of John Connole, Ballinahoun, Lisdoonvarna, were seized by National troops for illegal trespass on the lands of Mrs. Gore, Ballyreem, Co. Clare, in June of 1923. The gross selling price of these cattle amounted to £120. On the general distribution of the monies derived from these cattle, Mr. Connole was offered £66 as an ex-gratia award. Mr. Connole refused to accept this sum, and has consequently received no payment in respect of his cattle. The sum of £66 represents 11-20th of the gross selling price of the cattle seized. This was the fraction of the money which it was found possible to pay to wilful trespassers after the expenses in connection with the seizure and sale of the cattle as well as the claims of innocent trespassers had been deducted in full from the money realised.