asked the Minister for External Affairs if representations have been made by him to the Valencia Government with reference to the murder of Miss Boland, an Irish National, by troops under its command. If so, with what result and whether any offer of monetary compensation has been made to the relatives of that lady by the said Government.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Murder of Irish Lady in Spain.
Representations have been made to the Barcelona Government with reference to the murder of Miss Boland at Las Arenas on the 16th June, 1937. A claim for appropriate and adequate reparation has been made on the ground that the outrage constituted a grave contravention of the law of nations involving the international responsibility of the Spanish State. The Government will prosecute the claim to a conclusion, but there is a difficulty in having claims arising out of the civil war finally dealt with during the continuance of hostilities.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is it not notorious that the lady was murdered by a man in the service of the Red Government; that the miscreant has, in fact, been arrested, tried and executed, and is it not nearly time, in view of the fact that we have chosen to maintain diplomatic relations with the Red Government, that it should give some sign of its goodwill, or desire to maintain relation with us by recognising a legitimate claim of that kind?
I can only refer the Deputy to the last sentence in my reply.
Does the Taoiseach intend to take any further steps, with a view to securing compensation for the relatives of the deceased lady?
It is proposed to prosecute the claim to a conclusion.
Can the Minister forecast when a conclusion will be arrived at?
No.
Tibb's Eve, or the probable date of the disappearance of the Red Government.