To ask the Minister for Defence if he is aware that out of a sum of £583 11s. due to Mrs. Murtagh, of the Moy Hotel, Ballina, for the billeting of troops, only £124 16s. has yet been paid, that several applications for payment have been made without result; that in consequence Mrs. Murtagh finds herself considerably hampered in the conduct of her business, and will he give instructions for the immediate payment of this long overdue account.
[WRITTEN ANSWERS.] - BALLINA BILLETING ACCOUNT.
The account received from Mrs. Murtagh in the first instance amounted to £398 11s. 6d. Portion of it was for damage to furniture, etc., in, and for articles missing from, the Hotel.
The amount appears to be excessive, but will be assessed as expeditiously as possible. The balance, £192 4s. 6d. in respect of billeting was reduced to £124 16s. 0d. and a cheque in settlement issued.
An account was received from Mrs. Murtagh's solicitors amounting to £583 0s. 11d., which included the £398 11s. 6d. which I have just mentioned. They were written to on the 22nd January and asked to furnish details of the balance of the account. These details have not yet been received.