asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that the claims of Mr. J. Gilbride, Garage Proprietor, Sligo, were heard before the Circuit Judge on the 17th April, 1924, and that the Judge reported in favour of payment of upwards of £1,400, together with costs, and if he can state why Mr. Gilbride has not yet received this money, and the reason for the delay in payment.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - SLIGO COMPENSATION AWARD.
Reports totalling £1,417 15s. 0d. in favour of Mr. Gilbride are under consideration in my Department and they will be disposed of without avoidable delay. I am informed that payments exceeding £3,000 have been made to him by the Department of Defence and a detailed examination of the claims was necessary to ensure that there should be no duplication of payment.
Can the Minister say why it takes nine months to examine these claims?
The Deputy should understand that in report cases there is no right of appeal, but there is a right and duty for the Minister for Finance to examine a claim if he has reason to think that any details are excessive, and that examination may take as much time, perhaps, as an appeal would take, if an appeal were possible.