asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state what action has been taken to compensate the dependents of officers and men of (1) the "Kerry Head," which was sunk in October last, and (b) the "Ardmore," which was sunk in November last.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sunken Ships—Compensation of Crews' Dependents.
My Department is responsible for the payment of compensation in respect of the death or injury of members of crews of Irish ships where such death or injury is the result of belligerent action. It has recently been established to my satisfaction that the "Kerry Head" was lost through belligerent action and claims received from dependents of the missing men are being investigated. Payment of all claims found to be satisfactory will be made as soon as possible. It has not yet been established to my satisfaction that the "Ardmore" was lost through belligerent action. If and when it is, claims for compensation will be considered. Otherwise the compensation of dependents must be regarded as a liability of the owners of the missing vessel.
Will the Minister say how long it will take to finish the investigation?
I cannot say.
In view of the hardships suffered by people as a result of the loss of their breadwinners, will the Minister say that in respect of these recent and any future cases, claims can be submitted at once and that the details of the claims will be fully investigated, so that when responsibility for the destruction has been properly placed, it will be possible to make payments immediately, without any delay in investigating claims when responsibility has been established?
I have no reason to believe that there has been undue delay in investigating claims after responsibility has been established.
Will the Minister say how long is it since the "Kerry Head" was sunk?
I have already told the Deputy that payment of all claims found to be satisfactory will be made as soon as possible. We are not responsible for the presentation of these claims.
Is it not a fact that in respect of ships sunk and lives lost, everybody knows that the people are justly entitled to submit claims because these ships were sunk by belligerent action, and will the Minister say whether such claims will be received at once and examined at once, irrespective of whether it is or is not subsequently found that the sinking took place through belligerent action, and thereby relieve the hardships under which people suffer as a result of the delay?
That is quite a separate question.
I hope the Minister appreciates that it is a question.