asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that a claim for £60 was lodged in October, 1921, by Edward Cearey, Tyrrellspass, Westmeath, in respect of band instruments taken and destroyed by British military from the Workman's Hall, Tyrrellspass, in October, 1920, and if he is further aware that Messrs. Bradley and Cearey were asked in 1922 by his Department to furnish particulars of their claim, which they did, and if he can state when this claim will be considered, and the amount of compensation claimed paid.
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - CLAIM FOR DESTRUCTION OF WESTMEATH BAND.
SEAN O LAIDHIN
I understand that a claim for £60 for band instruments taken by British military from Tyrrellspass was lodged with the Westmeath County Council in October, 1921, in the names of Patrick Geraghty and Edward Carley on behalf of the Tyrrellspass Pipers' Band. The correspondence stated to have taken place in 1922 cannot be traced. No payment could, however, be made by my Department otherwise than on foot of an award by the Compensation (Ireland) Commission. No such award in favour of any of the persons named or of the Tyrrellspass Pipers' Band has been received, and as the Commission have ceased to function no further action can now be taken in the matter.