asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that a young boy named Robert Barrett, of Skidoo, Ballyboughal, lost the sight of one of his eyes recently, as a result of picking up a cartridge left by the military after manæuvres in this area some weeks ago; and if he is prepared to compensate this boy, as the accident was due to carelessness on the part of the military; and, further, if he is aware that a considerable number of these cartridges are still being picked up in the district.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Injury to County Dublin Boy.
I am aware that a boy named Robert Barrett, aged about 15 years, of Skidoo, Ballyboughal, County Dublin, lost the sight of his right eye recently as the result of endeavouring to prise off the top of a blank cartridge stated to have been lost by military forces while on manoeuvres. The matter is under investigation and I am not in a position at present to state whether or not this is a case in which compensation can be paid. I am aware that a number of cartridges has been collected recently.