asked the Minister for Defence whether a request has been received from Captain Knox, Mount Falcon, Ballina, Co. Mayo, for the return of a sporting gun (Serial No. C/14370), and the transfer of his other weapons handed over by the British Military Authorities, to the care of a London gun-maker, and whether the request has been complied with.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - RETURN OF GUNS.
A request of the nature mentioned by the Deputy has been received from Captain Knox, but has not yet been given effect to.
Surrendered arms are ordinarily returned to their owners through military channels. In the case of Captain Knox's gun, there has been a difficulty in making the necessary transport arrangement, and delay has resulted. His gun has now, however, been despatched to him.
As regards the other weapons, the Chief Ordnance Officer at Island Bridge Barracks, Dublin, has communicated with Captain Knox concerning the arrangements to be made for their transfer to a London gun-maker.
DOMHNALL O MUIRGHEASA
asked the Minister for Defence whether several applications have been made to his Department by Mr. Patrick Moroney, Silver View, Nenagh, for the return of one double-barrelled shot-gun, No. 384, surrendered to the Irish Volunteers on December 16th, 1920; and if he will arrange to have this gun returned without delay.
I regret that Mr. Moroney's gun has not yet been traced. I am informed that it is unlikely this gun will be traced. If not found, a claim for compensation will be entertained under the provisions of Section 5 of the Indemnity Bill, 1924, if, and when, it is enacted.