asked the Minister for Finance whether, in view of the delay in setting up the War Compensation Tribunal for dealing with claims in respect to cars and other property commandeered or seized before the Truce by the British forces, he would be willing to set up machinery whereby payments or advances might be made in respect of these claims, pending an eventual refund by the British Government.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CLAIMS RE COMMANDEERED PROPERTY.
As it is impossible to determine in advance what cases will fall within the scope of the proposed War Compensation Court or a similar Tribunal to be set up to consider claims of the kind mentioned, it would not be practicable to make advances of the kind suggested by the Deputy. Further, the general liability in this matter rests with the British Government, and we cannot prejudice our position by consenting to make advances. Again, no advance could be made without preliminary investigations, and this would entail the employment of a body of skilled investigators and the incurring of considerable expense, which should properly be borne by the British Government. Moreover, in the absence of terms of reference and proper instructions, the task of the investigators would be one of considerable difficulty.
I can assure the Deputy that no opportunity has been lost to impress upon the British Government the vital urgency of this matter, and negotiations are at the moment actively proceeding.