asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that a decree was issued in the Dublin Circuit Court for £73 17s. 3d. against No. 12777, Private John Doyle, Army Signal Corps, for damages inflicted on Mr. John Farrell on November 8th, 1924, and that owing to the refusal of the military authorities to inform Mr. Farrell's solicitor of Doyle's whereabouts, it has been impossible to enforce payment of this sum, and whether, in view of the fact that Mr. Farrell is crippled for life, he will give the necessary facilities to enable this decree to be enforced.
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - DECREE AGAINST SOLDIER.
I am aware that a decree was issued as stated. The military authorities have not refused information as to Private Doyle's whereabouts. Mr. Farrell is at liberty to realise the amount of the decree in any way open to him. It should be remembered, however, that under the Defence Forces (Temporary Provisions) Acts, 1923 to 1927, judgment cannot be executed against the person, pay, arms, equipment, or clothing of the soldier, and that, therefore, it is not apparent what necessary facilities the military authorities can legally extend to Mr. Farrell.