asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that a sum of £1 0s. 0d. was awarded to Mr. Michael McGrath, formerly of Broadleas, BallymoreEustace, and now of Ballymount, Colbinstown Co. Kildare, on the 16th February, 1926, as compensation in respect of one sporting gun, one miniature rifle and seventy-five rounds of sporting ammunition taken up from him on the 18th November, 1921, by Lieutenant O'Neill, at present serving in the National Army, and certified by receipt of the 25th February, 1925, and whether, in view of the fact that Mr. McGrath can produce this receipt, and having regard to the smallness of the award, which seems inadequate, he will give instructions to have this case reconsidered.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - COMPENSATION FOR SPORTING GUN.
The answer to the first part of the Deputy's question is in the affirmative, but I am unable to agree that the award referred to is inadequate. The Indemnity Act empowers me to make payment of a sum not exceeding the amount recommended by the Committee and in this case the full amount of the recommendation has been paid. I am not, therefore, in a position to have the case re-considered.
Surely the Minister does not take up the attitude that £1 is adequate compensation for a sporting gun, a miniature rifle and 75 rounds of ammunition? The ammunition would be worth £1 alone.
The Committee was of opinion that the gun and rifle were of very little value.