asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that the Military Authorities at Durrow, Leix, commandeered a new Ford motor car, which was the property of Edward Dollard, Rathdowney, Leix, in July, 1922; whether same was used for the purpose of removing heavy loads of furniture, and, subsequently, returned to him in a useless condition; whether he has received a claim for compensation for the destruction of this car, and if he can state when he will be in a position to dispose of this claim.
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - COMPENSATION FOR COMMANDEERED MOTOR CAR.
Mr. Dollard's car was commandeered from the 1st to the 3rd July, 1922, for the purpose of conveying military stores from Rathdowney to Durrow. Inasmuch as it appears that Mr. Dollard had purchased it about a month previously for about £42 10s., and that when taken by troops the glass screen and the hood were damaged and the engine had to be put in running order, the car cannot be regarded as having been new at the time. A claim for repairs, hirage, and consequential loss has been received and will be considered at an early date.