asked the Minister for Finance if he can state the reason for the delay in paying the claim of Colonel J. O'Hara for compensation owing to the occupation of his house at Lenaboy, County Galway, by the National Army and others.
WRITTEN ANSWER. - CO. GALWAY COMPENSATION CLAIM.
A Report for 1920 was made under Section 15 of the Damage to Property (Compensation) Act, 1923, in Colonel O'Hara's favour in respect of furniture and other contents stated to have been taken from Lenaboy Castle after its evacuation by British Forces in January, 1922. From information furnished to my Department, it did not appear that chattels to the amount recommended by the judge had in fact been taken away, or, if so removed, that they were taken in such circumstances as would bring the claim within the scope of the section. Prolonged inquiries were accordingly necessitated, and these have delayed the disposal of the Report. I anticipate that a decision will be arrived at on an early date.