asked the Minister for Local Government the amount of compensation for malicious damages awarded in the last twelve months (a) against Dublin Corporation and (b) in the whole country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Malicious Damage Awards.
78.
The information requested by the Deputy is not available in my Department.
Is this entirely a matter for the local authority? Is the Minister not consulted about the matter at all?
It appears so.
In view of the startling reports there have been in the newspapers recently regarding the extent of malicious damages, would the Minister consider reviewing the situation?
The Deputy can be assured that I have always considered that the present arrangement is not a good one and I would be anxious to see a more equitable arrangement. I know one newspaper published an alarming report that was contradicted by themselves or someone else the following day.
The total mentioned was right.
May we take it that legislation is being prepared on those lines?
No.
There was a report in the papers to that effect also.
That is the trouble in believing everything one reads in the newspapers.
At least we have had the opportunity of getting some facts here.