asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defensive Measures whether it is the intention of the Government to assume responsibility for compensating persons injured by accidents arising out of war conditions; whether he will indicate if any scheme is in preparation dealing with the matter of providing such compensation; and, if so, whether it is intended to cover (a) civilians and (b) persons engaged in A.R.P. work.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Accidents Arising Out of War Conditions.
Section 64 of the Air Raid Precautions Act, 1939, provides that the Minister for Finance may make a scheme providing for the payment of compensation to, or to the dependents of, persons who suffer injuries sustained in the course of being trained or exercised in A.R.P. in time of peace. The Minister for Finance has agreed that compensation in such cases should be on the same basis as under the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1931. The question of compensation for persons engaged in A.R.P. work injured during war-time service is at present being considered.