asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that the sum of £385 paid by the Commissioners of Public Works to Mr. D. McGonigle, Dowra, Co. Cavan, in respect of his claim for £1,677 7s. 6d., compensation for losses sustained in consequence of his premises being commandeered by the National Army, was accepted by Mr. McGonigle, not as adequate compensation, but owing to poverty and ill-health, and if, in view of this fact, he will instruct that further inquiry be made into the merits of this claim.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - PUBLIC WORKS PAYMENT.
SEAN MAC GIOLLA 'N RIOGH
I have investigated the facts in this application, and I am satisfied that the claim was carefully examined, and that the compensation paid was adequate. The award made was agreed to by the claimant himself after a full discussion of all details with officials of the Board of Works, and I see no reason whatever for further inquiry. I may say that the claim was not only grossly exaggerated, but might fairly be described as fraudulent.
Arising out of that answer, does the Minister consider that £385 is adequate compensation, or how does he reconcile his answer to this question with the fact that of that sum £265 odd was spent in repairing the premises after these premises were evacuated by National troops, which left £120? Is £120 sufficient to cover the depreciation of the stock-in-trade during the occupation, the loss of business during that occupation, the expense of board and lodging which these people incurred while deprived of their own premises, the breakage and storage of furniture, and also the goods supplied to the National troops? I ask does the Minister consider £120 a fair and reasonable amount to meet all these claims?
About two or three weeks before the troops went into occupation the claimant had sought the protection of the Bankruptcy Court, and returned the value of the stock-in-trade at about £194—I am speaking from memory now. Then he proceeded to claim for depreciation of that stock some £300 or £400. The rest of the claim was made up in the same way.