asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that Miss Jennie O'Rourke, of 160 North Strand Road (which house was wrecked in the bombing), has been in hospital and nursing homes for a considerable time suffering from serious injuries, and has been awarded as compensation the sum of 30/- per week, to cease in December, 1942; and if he will cause her claim and that of other victims to be reviewed and adequate compensation awarded.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - North Strand Bombing.
Mr. A. Byrne
The answer to the first part of the Deputy's question is in the affirmative. In assuming that payment of compensation would cease on the 31st December next, he was presumably unaware of the intimation which has been conveyed to Miss O'Rourke's solicitors that a further communication would be addressed to them regarding payment of compensation for any period subsequent to that date.
As regards the second part of the Deputy's question, the compensation awarded in this case has been assessed on the basis of 100 per cent. disablement, and is the maximum weekly rate of basic compensation payable under the Emergency Powers (Compensation for Personal Injuries) (Civilians) Scheme, 1942. The rates provided in the scheme are determined by reference to the resources of the State and to the unforeseeable extent of the liability involved, and I cannot undertake to review them.
Mr. Byrne
The Minister is admitting then that the question is perfectly correct: that Miss Jennie O'Rourke, as a result of the bombing, lost one eye completely, that the sight of the second eye has been impaired to the extent of 50 per cent., that she received serious scalp wounds, that her nerves are wrecked, and that she is only getting a payment of 30/- a week which is to cease in December of this year. Is that the position?
I have answered the Deputy's question.
Mr. Byrne
Will the Minister not reconsider the whole position? I would ask him to reconsider this unfortunate girl's disability which will remain with her for the rest of her life. She is almost completely blind, her nerves are wrecked and she is suffering from serious scalp wounds. Is a payment of 30/- a week for one and a half years, to end in December next, adequate compensation for her from a native Government?
Question No. 2.
Mr. Byrne
I think the Minister ought to be permitted to answer my supplementary question, whether this case, with all others, will be reconsidered?
The Minister has answered the Deputy's question. I do not propose to say anything further.
Mr. Byrne
In other words, the unfortunate girl is to be left on the scrap-heap.
She got the maximum compensation allowed.
Mr. Byrne
Which means that she is to be left on the scrap-heap.