asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state the cost of the damage done to property as a result of cutting of wires and poles in Baltinglass area; and, further, if he will give the engineer's estimate for the repair of damage done.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Damage to Post Office Property.
The cost of damage to poles, etc., was £74; engineering and incidental costs arising from the transfer of the sub-office amounted to £506; compensation paid to Mr. Farrell, £240, making a total of £820.
I should add that the question of the expense involved in the course of the incident is relatively unimportant in comparison with the undesirable publicity which the dispute received outside this country and with the distress caused to the family concerned, all of which could have been obviated by the making of an early decision in regard to the confirmation or otherwise of the first appointment.
Could the Minister say what fund or whether it is the funds of his Department that provided Miss Cooke with £500 to gamble with?
Is the Minister aware that £74 is a very small sum to pay for the elimination of jobbery and corruption?
It was a gamble of £500. She was in poverty a month ago.
Question 20.
Where was Deputy Cogan talking about jobbery last night? He was very silent last night.
But the destitute lady's £500 is——
You had better not talk.
I know well that Deputy Cogan got more than £500. He could well afford to gamble.
On a point of order. An accusation has been made that I received more than £500. I should like to insist on that statement being withdrawn.
He did not say for what.
I did not hear any statement of the kind. So many statements were made that I could not relate them to any particular Deputy. I call on Question 20 now.
There is proper ruling for you.