asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that John Anderson, George's Street, Newbridge, Co. Kildare, has not yet received compensation for a horse commandeered at Newbridge on the 1st July, 1922, by Quarter-Master Donohoe, Ponsonby Barracks, Curragh Camp, and which was returned to him on the 4th September, 1922, and whether consideration of this claim will be expedited with a view to payment.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - NEWBRIDGE COMPENSATION CLAIM.
A difficulty has been experienced in obtaining reliable information from my point of view, owing to the fact that the officers who are alleged to have commandeered Mr. Anderson's horse, are not available. However, a decision in the case is being expedited.
Is the Minister aware that Farrier-Sergeant-Major McCormack, who was one of the officers engaged in commandeering horses on that occasion in Newbridge, is at present serving in Dublin? Is he aware that he was engaged in commandeering horses in the neighbourhood at the time?
I have no doubt that the Minister for Defence is aware of that; but the soldier referred to is not a commissioned officer, and the officers who were in charge of him and others at the time, are the parties they are looking for.