asked the Minister for Finance if, arising out of the bombing at the North Strand, Dublin, he will state (a) the number of claims received, (b) the total amount claimed as compensation, (c) the amount of compensation paid to date, and (d) the number of claims finally disposed of.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - North Strand Bombing Claims.
The information asked for by the Deputy, so far as losses other than death or personal injuries are concerned, is as follows, viz., (a) 936, (b) £121,315 19s. 6d., (c) £821 6s. 9d., including cases in process of payment, and (d) 118. I would add that the last-mentioned figure relates to the amount under (c) and is exclusive of (1) cases in which it has been decided not to make any offer of compensation, (2) cases in which an offer of compensation has been refused, and (3) cases in which an offer has neither been accepted nor refused; in any of these cases there may be an application to the Circuit Court.
As regards death or personal injury claims, the Deputy is, no doubt, aware that a revision of the Emergency Powers (No. 98) Order, 1941 (Compensation) Scheme, 1941, is intended. Accordingly, no payments have been made under that scheme, as applicants will be accorded the more favourable terms which will be embodied in the revised scheme. Forty-five forms of application relating to injuries and 12 forms relating to deaths have been completed and returned. Specific amounts of compensation have not, generally, been claimed.
Mr. Byrne
Is an effort now being made to deal with claimants over the heads of their legal advisers, and, if so, will the Minister stop that practice?
I am not aware that that is so, but I shall inquire.
Mr. Byrne
If true, the Minister will stop the practice?
I shall inquire.