asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that three motor cars belonging to persons (names supplied) in County Offaly were burned in Portlaoise, County Laois on 17th March, 1975, that in each case substantial hire-purchase amounts must continue to be paid in respect of these cars and that the persons will experience great difficulty in getting to work due to their loss; if, in view of their financial circumstances, he will arrange for immediate payment of compensation from the bomb damage fund so that they may procure replacement cars as a matter of urgency rather than having to wait until the end of 1977 before payment of malicious damages can be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bomb Damage Compensation.
118.
Recoupment from my Department's Vote in respect of certain malicious injuries to property can be made only subsequent to payment by a local authority of the amount decreed by the courts in respect of such malicious injuries and appropriate certification by the local chief superintendent of the Garda.
Is it not a fact that, in the case of the bomb damage perpetrated in Dublin in recent times, payment goes to the Central Exchequer? The import of the Minister's reply would suggest that, in the case of the Portlaoise damage, it goes to Laois County Council. Is that the case? Possibly I misunderstood the Minister.
No. The point I was making related to certification after the amount decreed by the courts in respect of such malicious injuries and appropriate certification by the chief superintendent of the Garda. The Deputy was asking me who was the recipient.
No. I am asking who pays? In the case of the Dublin damage it is the Central Fund. Does the same apply in the case of the Portlaoise damage?
I understand that it is from Central Funds, from the Exchequer.
Question Nos. 119 and 120 postponed.