I ask for leave to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to make provision for the payment of compensation out of public moneys to persons who, on or after the 26th day of August, 1940, suffer injury to their property in the State or the territorial waters thereof as a consequence of an act of the armed forces of an external Government or authority engaged in a war in respect of which the State is neutral or as a consequence of an accidental occurrence arising from something done outside the State by any such armed force, and to make provision for matters connected with such injuries to property or the payment of compensation therefor.
Neutrality (War Damage to Property) Bill, 1941—First Stage.
The object of this Bill is to pay compensation to those who suffer injury to their property in the State as a result of bombing, etc. Will the Minister say whether it is proposed to introduce any measure for the payment of compensation to those who have suffered injury to their person or for loss of life?
Yes, it is proposed. That will be done by way of Emergency Order.
When will the Emergency Order be issued?
I am hoping to have it issued about the same time as the Second Reading of this Bill, but I am not certain.
Mr. Byrne
I asked recently whether a Bill would be introduced to compensate for personal injury or loss of a breadwinner. That is not included in this Bill, and I should like to know if compensation will be provided for the loss of a breadwinner and for personal injury.
That has been answered already.
Mr. Byrne
I did not hear any answer. I should like to know whether any arrangement will be made to compensate for the loss of a breadwinner? In Mrs. McLoughlin's case——
That was stated in reply to Deputy Mulcahy.
Mr. Byrne
I notice that a large number of Ministers are anxious to reply to me.
There is no discussion on the First Stage of a Bill unless its introduction is opposed. The question asked by the Deputy——
Mr. Byrne
I would oppose it if it did not——
It is against the rules of order to interrupt the Chair, or rise when the Chair is speaking.
Mr. Byrne
May I say now, when the Chair sits down, that I asked a question recently whether any Bill would be introduced to compensate for loss of life or for injury or cases of that type? These are not mentioned in this Bill.
This Bill may not be discussed until the Second Stage.
Mr. Byrne
I think we are entitled to ask a question.
Leave granted.
Bill read the First Time.
When will the Second Stage be taken?
This day week provisionally.
Second Stage ordered for Tuesday, 15th July.
When will the Bill be circulated?
I hope it will be circulated in a day or two.
Is it the intention of the Government to get all the stages passed before the Recess?
I am not sure that we can, but I should like to.
What will interfere with getting the Bill through all its stages?
The House.
Or the arrangement of business by the Government?
No.
It is a rather important and urgent measure.
I hope to get it through all its stages.
We should like to get some indication as to why it cannot be put through all its stages.
In due time the Deputy will get it.
What does the Minister mean by "in due time"?
Get a dictionary.
I should like to have the Minister's own definition.
As we are dealing with an important matter and there may be technical aspects of the matter which would delay it and prevent it from being passed through, say, within three or four weeks, will the Minister tell us if we are likely to come up against any technical aspects or provisions and whether, if the Bill cannot be passed within the next month, he could make a provisional arrangement for the paying of compensation, either through the relief authorities in the city or some other machinery like that, because some of these cases are very pressing?
I shall look into that.
There will be an opportunity on the Second Stage this day week to discuss the matter.
Perhaps the Miniter would be prepared on the Second Stage to face all these questions.