asked the Minister for the Environment if, arising out of the statement by the Minister for Justice in reply to the Private Notice Question on Tuesday, 10 February, in which he stated that the vessel Nellie M was now resting within our jurisdiction, he has received a malicious injury claim from the owners of the vessel; and if he will ensure that the ratepayers in Donegal will not be held responsible for the claim.
Written Answers. - County Donegal Malicious Injuries Claim.
227.
I understand that claims in this matter have been served on Donegal County Council. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the case which, if pursued, will in due course come before the courts. I can, however, confirm that in cases where decrees for malicious injuries are in respect of damage caused by the use of explosives and attributable to the disturbances in Northern Ireland, the Exchequer meets the full cost. In other cases the liability of a local authority is limited to the produce of a rate of 20p in the £ in any year. The Exchequer meets the balance, if any.