asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware of the delay in paying compensation for damage done to, and rent owing in respect of, two houses (the property of Mr. T. Brennan, Passlands, Monasterevan, Co. Kildare) occupied by National troops from August, 1922, to November, 1923; whether he is aware that the owner is at very considerable loss owing to the delay, as he cannot let the houses, and whether he will give instructions for immediate settlement.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - COMPENSATION CLAIMS (CO. KILDARE).
As stated in my previous reply to the Deputy on the 13th of May, Mr. Brennan's claim is being dealt with by the Commissioners of Public Works. The matter is, therefore, one for the Minister for Finance. I am informed that the Commissioners made an offer to Mr. Brennan's solicitor on the 15th May in full settlement of the claim, and that the offer has been refused.
Is the Minister aware that the Board of Works offered £147, and that Mr. Brennan claimed £280? Those two houses are lying idle since the military vacated them, with great loss to the owner.
asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that Corporal E. Swanton, Army No. 46890, 10th Battalion, S.I.C., on joining the National Army at Naas Barracks on the 21st July, 1922, handed over his bicycle, valued at £7 7s., to Brigadier-General Lawlor; whether Mr. Swanton was drafted to Wexford, where he served for a year, and on his return that the bicycle could not be traced; whether during that period it is alleged the bicycle was used by National troops on duty; whether several applications for compensation have been made to Claims Office without avail, and whether he will expedite payment to Mr. Swanton.
A claim dated the 14th October, 1923, was received from Mr. Swanton. He was asked on the 15th November to furnish evidence in the nature of a receipt for the bicycle stated to have been handed over to Brigadier-General Lawlor, but, so far, he has not replied to the communication then sent to him. Brigadier-General Lawlor has long since left the Army. In the circumstances further action in the matter cannot be taken by the Department of Defence.
Is the Minister aware that it is not usual for the owner of a bicycle to hold the receipt he gets for it at the time of purchase, and that he cannot be expected to keep that receipt indefinitely on hands and produce it at any or every time it is asked for?
The receipt in question is the receipt from the Brigadier-General. In the absence of such receipts the Deputy will understand that countless claims could be presented against us—that is, unless we were able to get proof of the fact that some officer of the State had entered into possession of the property.