asked the Minister for Defence whether any, and, if so, what compensation is to be paid to Mr. John O'Keeffe, Monagown, Co. Cork, for the loss sustained by him as a result of a collision between a military tender, and his cart or trap which occurred near Fermoy in February, 1923 whether he is aware that this collision resulted in serious pecuniary loss to Mr. O'Keeffe, who had some heifers killed and his cart or trap smashed on the occasion.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CLAIM AGAINST ARMY (MONAGOWN).
SEAN O DUINNIN
Compensation has not been paid to Mr. O'Keeffe. It appears that the collision was accidental and that the driver of the military tender was not in any way to blame for what happened. In the circumstances Mr. O'Keeffe's solicitors were informed on the 1st September last, to the effect that it was not practicable to make any payment in the case.
I wish to ask as a supplementary question whether Mr. O'Keeffe or his witnesses were given any opportunity of being present at the Military Court of Inquiry held with reference to the matter; if not, whether the Minister will direct the Inquiry to be reopened with a view to giving Mr. O'Keeffe and his witnesses an opportunity of being heard?
Mr. O'Keeffe made a statement, and Mrs. O'Keeffe also made statements, of which I have evidence before me. The matter was brought to the notice of the Chief State Solicitor, who advised that there was no evidence to show that the military driver was to blame, and he did not think it was a case for ex gratia payments.
I would ask as a further supplementary question, whether the Minister is aware that there are many cases of grave hardship arising throughout the country as a result of what appears to be the settled policy of the Ministry, namely, to ignore all claims similar to the one now in question?
The Army have not ignored all claims similar the one now in question. Where proper evidence is given, and where the Army are found to be liable, payments are made. In this case there was a question of two heifers. The heifers were really calves which Mrs. O'Keeffe said were worth thirty bob each.