asked the Minister for Finance if he has caused any claim for compensation to be made against any Government in respect of (a) deaths; (b) personal injuries; (c) damage to property; (d) other damage, caused by bombings in the City of Dublin, and, if so, if he will state in the case of each such bombing (1) to what Government the claim has been addressed; (2) the date of its presentation; (3) the amount of the claim under each class of damage, and (4) what the result of the claim has been.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Responsibility for Dublin Bombings.
The Deputy's question relates to bombings in the City of Dublin. The first of these incidents occurred in January last when bombs fell in Terenure and on the South Circular Road on two successive nights, and the second occurred in May, when bombs were dropped in the North Strand and Phoenix Park areas. In each case a protest and claim for compensation was made to the German Government. An expression of regret and acceptance of responsibility has been received in respect of the May bombing, but the other incident is still under discussion. The details of the claim for compensation in respect of the May incident have not yet been furnished to the German Government, as full particulars are not available of the deaths, personal injuries, damage to property and other damage caused. These particulars can only become available as individual claims for compensation are received in my Department.
Would the Minister say if, in making claims in respect of loss of life and injury, the intention is to make a claim against the German Government on the basis of the amount of compensation contemplated in the Minister's order fixing the amounts of that compensation?
I think so. We have not got the claims yet, and I should not like to say so definitely.
Will the Minister say whether, before making a claim on such a basis, he will make a statement to the House on the matter?
No.
Mr. Byrne
In view of the Minister's statement that the German Government has accepted responsibility, will he now take steps to speed up repairs of damage apparently done by bombing in cases where the landlord and the corporation have differed?
That is a separate question.
Mr. Byrne
The damage is still unrepaired and the German Government has accepted responsibility.