asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that the sum of £350 has been granted to Miss Margaret Loughman, of Kilkenny, by the Compensation Committee (Personal Injuries), presided over by Judge Johnston, for the loss of her right leg, resulting from the wound she received on May 2nd, 1922, during the operations between the National troops and the Irregulars in Kilkenny; if he is aware that she has lost almost two years wages, has had to incur doctor's expenses, solicitor's costs, her expenses and those of witnesses from Kilkenny to Waterford, where the claim was dealt with, as well as the price of an artificial limb; if he is aware that the amount of compensation allowed falls short of one-third of the expenses thus incurred, and, as the limb has been amputated almost from the hip, thus leaving her a cripple for life, whether he will undertake to see that the amount of compensation is reconsidered with a view to an increase which will be adequate?
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - KILKENNY LADY'S CLAIM.
SEAN MAC GIOLLA 'N RIOGH
In considering applications for compensation in respect of personal injuries presented to them, the Compensation (Personal Injuries) Committee were requested to have regard inter alia to the actual earning capacity of the injured person prior to the injury, and to the impairment of earning capacity attributable to the injury. I am satisfied that this case was carefully considered from these points of view by the Committee, and that they have taken into account all the other circumstances which were put before them in arriving at the amount which they have recommended to be paid.
Arising out of that question, is the Minister quite satisfied that less than one-third of the expenses involved in securing that amount of compensation is adequate for the loss of a limb and the fact that a person is rendered a cripple for life?
I certainly am not; but I do not accept the facts indicated in the question. Miss Loughman, at the time of the injury, was employed as a book-keeper and was paid 22/6 a week. The loss from failure to be able to earn can be calculated as far as that goes. The injury was not such as to incapacitate her from carrying on as a typist and book-keeper. I do not accept the facts that the Deputy seems to accept.
Is the Minister aware this is not the only case of a like nature in which dissatisfaction has been expressed at the findings of this Commission? Is he aware there are many similar cases where the applicants have been put to very great expense indeed and where the results have been nil?
I would expect that there would be dissatisfaction in every case.
Will the Minister consider the advisability of adding to the amount of compensation for the loss of the limb, the amount of expenses involved, which can be vouched for by the person trying to secure that compensation?
I am willing to consider any circumstances that are put up which seem to indicate that reasonable compensation has not been given in all the circumstances.
That is very good.