asked the Minister for Finance whether in view of the fact that only a small percentage of the money subscribed in South Kerry to the Dáil Internal Loan, 1919-20, has been repaid he will have enquiries held in convenient centres in that area so as to facilitate the taking of evidence and the consequent payment to the subscribers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dáil Internal Loan 1919-20.
The question of setting up a Tribunal or Committee to inquire locally into the claims of persons who allege that they subscribed to the Dáil Eireann (Internal) Loan, 1919-20, has already been considered more than once. It was decided, however, that apart from the question of expense involved, investigation by a Tribunal or Committee had many disadvantages and that the system of departmental investigation at present in operation would, on the whole, yield more satisfactory results. The total amount of cash received in the Dáil Finance Department from the former Parliamentary constituency of South Kerry was £3,153. Of this amount £1,118 has been entered in the Primary Register and £1,031 has been repaid. As regards the balance (£2,035), lists have now been received from collectors and others covering subscriptions amounting to £1,537. These lists are at present under examination, but the rapidity of further progress in authorising repayment must naturally depend on the extent to which the lists prove to be reliable.