asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that on the 8th February, 1936, Volunteer Joseph Hyland (No. 101663), of Carrigeen, Ferns, County Wexford, while serving with the Defence Forces was seriously injured while on duty in a Defence Forces lorry, which was at the time being driven by a member of the Defence Forces; and what steps have been taken to see that the injured volunteer receives compensation for his injury and loss.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Injury to Volunteer.
I am aware that Volunteer Hyland was injured while on duty with the Defence Forces on the 8th February, 1936. Following correspondence with Volunteer Hyland's solicitor, the latter was informed by my Department on the 18th June, 1936, that the proceedings which Volunteer Hyland proposed to take against the Minister for Finance would be excluded under the terms of the Road Traffic Act, 1933. A civil bill was, however, served on the Minister for Finance. Notice of withdrawal was subsequently served and the Minister for Finance applied and was granted an order dismissing the action with costs. The Minister for Finance does not, however, propose to press for the costs. The question of making an ex-gratia payment to Volunteer Hyland is still under consideration, and when a decision has been reached Volunteer Hyland's solicitor will be suitably informed.