asked the Minister for Justice whether he will introduce proposals for legislation to make provision for the dependents of the late Admiral Somerville and the late John Egan.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Provision for Dependents of Admiral Somerville and John Egan.
I am not satisfied, on the information at my disposal, that I would be justified in introducing legislation on the lines suggested by the Deputy.
Might I ask the Minister in what respect, if any, he lacks the information this afternoon? It is possible I might be able to supply the Minister with whatever information he lacks as to the financial position of the dependents of Admiral Somerville and the late John Egan.
There was application made in only one case, that is the Egan case and on the information supplied in that case I would not be justified in bringing in legislation.
The Minister is no doubt aware that there is a precedent for compensation being paid by the State in a case of this kind. I wish to ask the Minister if he will, when considering this matter bear in mind the fact that John Egan and Admiral Somerville were the victims of a policy which the Government rightly or wrongly decided to adopt in not suppressing the I.R.A. after the More O'Ferrall murder, and will the Minister be so kind as to let me know if he desires any information as to the need of these dependents for compensation?
From the application that was furnished to the Department in connection with the Egan case and from inquiries made it would appear that he was an unemployed and unmarried man. No application has been received from the dependents of the late Admiral Somerville.
Was not John Egan's mother dependent upon him?
My information was that he was both unemployed and unmarried.
I ask the Minister to let me give him fuller information about the Somerville case.