To ask the Minister for Defence whether the shotguns taken up by the I.R.A. and British Military previous to the Truce in July, 1921, and for which, in many cases, receipts are held, will be returned, and if not, will compensation be granted in such cases.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - SHOTGUNS TAKEN UP.
SEAN O RUANAIDH
General MULCAHY
As far as shotguns taken up by the I.R.A. previous to July, 1921, are concerned, it is likely that in many instances these guns cannot be definitely traced, and in other instances it is not likely that the ownership of guns held, can be traced. Where it is possible to do so, these guns will be returned in due course. Where the taking of these guns is proven, and it is not possible to return the gun, the granting of compensation will be considered.
As regards shotguns taken by the British previous to July, 1921. These will probably be regarded as falling into two separate classes:—
(1) Those voluntarily surrendered to the British by the Owner for safe custody.
(2) Those taken from persons, or from the houses of persons who from the British point of view were not entitled to hold them.
As regards No. 1. It is understood that these are available and are held by the British for return to their Owners as soon as the Irish Government is prepared to issue permits for their retention by the Owners. No doubt in any such case in which the guns cannot be returned for any reason the granting of compensation by the British will be considered.