asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that a Report under Section 15 of the Damage to Property (Compensation) Act, 1923, was obtained by Miss Molly Biaia, of Kealkil, Bantry, from the County Court Judge at Skibbereen upon 24th April, 1924, for the sum of £8, besides costs and expenses, in respect of the taking and destruction on 24th February, 1923, at Kealkil, of a horse, her property, without her consent, by persons requisitioning the same for the use of an organisation engaged in armed resistance to the Government of Saorstát Eireann; whether he has declined to make any payment at foot of the Report; if he will state whether he has come to this conclusion without any communication with the applicant and without any opportunity being afforded her of being heard; and if he will undertake to reconsider the matter, and give the applicant an opportunity of putting forward statements in support of her claim?
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - BANTRY COMPENSATION CLAIM.
A report was made under Section 15 of the Damage to Property (Compensation) Act, 1923, recommending payment of £8 compensation in this case, but after careful consideration I felt unable to authorise any payment. As regards the third part of the question, I had the advantage of a report as to the evidence given by the applicant on the hearing of her claim. The decision refusing payment was communicated to her solicitor on the 22nd September; 1926, and no further communication on the matter has been received in my Department. I am, however, prepared to consider any further evidence which the applicant may now be in a position to put forward.