asked the Minister for Finance if he will repay the loan raised by the authority of the 1st Eastern Command, I.R.A., in the 5th Brigade Area, in the post-Truce period for training purposes.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. Oral Answers. - EASTERN COMMAND POST-TRUCE LOAN.
The Dáil Eireann Loans and Funds Act, 1924, provides, inter alia, for the repayment of the Internal Loan floated under the authority of the First Dáil Eireann by public subscription during the years 1919-20. The Indemnity Act, 1924, precluded the consideration by the Committee established under that Act of claims arising from sums paid or subscribed to any national or local levy, requisition or loan. There is accordingly no provision under which claims such as those which the Deputy apparently has in mind could be met.
Do I understand from the Minister that if certain claims were not in by a certain date they are not acknowledged—is that what I am to understand from the answer?
It is not clear what the Deputy means by certain claims, but there are certain types of claims which under the Indemnity Act of 1924 could not be entertained at all. In respect of the claims which could be entertained under that Act, I understand, there was a date by which they should be in.
Does the Minister contend that this is one of the claims which could not be considered under that Act?
I have not the particulars of the claim at all.
For the Minister's information, I want to say that this loan was raised by the authority of G.H.Q., I.R.A., for the purpose of starting a training camp in the area of the Fifth Brigade, of which, I am sure, the Minister is aware, and does he not think that this is a loan which in justice and equity should be paid back to those who subscribed?