To ask the Minister for Defence whether the Government troops commandeered from Mr. Cornelius O'Shea, Skibbereen, his large business establishment, known as The Emporium, Main Street, Skibbereen, and occupied same for over twelve months, without making any payment. Whether the responsible military authorities (local) allowed their Adjutant to open a shop and carry on business there, keeping Mr. O'Shea out of possession of his property. Whether the Adjutant-General, Portobello, received a letter dated 4th January, 1923, from Mr. O'Shea's solicitors, applying for possession, as the troops were no longer in occupation, and for compensation. What steps does the Minister propose to take to give Mr. O'Shea clear possession of his premises, and what compensation he proposes to pay Mr. O'Shea for his heavy losses.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - COMMANDEERED PREMISES (SKIBBEREEN)
I am advised that the premises were occupied by troops in February, 1922, as successors to the British Army, and that possession was given to Mr. O'Shea's accredited agent on the 12th December, 1922. The Office of Public Works has been asked to have rent paid for the premises for the period during which they were occupied by our troops. Mr. O'Shea's solicitors have been so informed. They, however, deny that clear possession has been given to a properly accredited agent, and the point is being therefore investigated.