asked the Minister for Finance if he is prepared to reconsider his decision with regard to the claim of Mrs. Adelaide A. Repetto-Byrne for compensation for the loss incurred by the destruction of her premises at 29 Henry Street, Dublin, due to their occupation by Republican forces in the Rising of 1916.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Destruction of Dublin Premises.
I do not propose to reopen the case referred to, which has already, on several occasions, been sympathetically considered from every angle.
If some new facts can be brought to the notice of the Minister, would he reconsider the case?
I believe that there can be no new facts brought to my notice.
I would ask the Minister whether he is taking up the attitude of absolutely turning these people down, as up to the present facts have not been brought to his notice which would give them a right to reconsideration?
I considered the case first four or five years ago and I was reluctantly driven to the conclusion that nothing could be done in the matter. I have since had it reconsidered, at least, two or three times and I am satisfied that there is no use in going into the matter again.
Is the case made now that the claim of these people should be against the British Government rather than the Saorstát Government?
No.
That was made on one occasion. Would the Minister state, if it can be shown that the case which was fought in the Courts was won on points which have not since been carried out by the Department of Posts and Telegraphs, that he would reconsider the matter on that basis?
I think there is nothing new that could be brought forward at this stage. I would be very surprised if anything new could be brought forward, and I do not think that it would be advisable to go into it again.
The Minister says that he thinks there is nothing new to be brought forward, but would he not give these people an opportunity of satisfying him that there is nothing new to bring forward?
There is nothing to prevent people who have new facts writing in regard to the claim and, if they have new facts, no doubt I will be informed on that. I think that that is the only thing that can be done.