asked the Minister for Defence if he will state when it is proposed to pay Mr. Thomas Hennessy, victualler, Millstreet, Co. Cork, compensation in respect of a cow shot by a sentry on October 8th, 1922.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - MILLSTREET VICTUALLER'S CLAIM.
Mr. Hennessy was informed on the 25th May last that compensation was not payable out of Army funds in respect of the shooting of his cow. However, fresh information has since come to hand regarding the occurrence. The case is being reconsidered, but I cannot undertake that any payment will be made.
Arising out of this question, is the Minister aware that I was notified in April last that £30 compensation had been awarded to this man, and that three weeks later Mr. Hennessy was informed by the Army Finance Officer that he was being awarded nothing, on the plea that as there was an attack by the Irregulars, the Army did not hold themselves liable? Is he also aware that a Quartermaster and three Sergeants who were present on the occasion, are willing to state on oath that there was no attack by the Irregulars at all, but that owing to nervousness the sentry discharged his rifle?
I am not aware of the circumstances mentioned by the Deputy, but I will undertake personally to look into the case.