asked the Minister for External Affairs what progress, if any, has been made in the negotiations with the German Government for payment of compensation for damage caused by German forces to Irish vessels during the last war.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Payment for War Damage to Irish Vessels.
4.
Presentation of the claims to compensation in respect of damage to Irish vessels caused by the German forces during the last war has been deferred as we have been informed that such claims cannot be considered by the German authorities until the final settlement of the problem of German reparations. This is in accordance with Article 5 of the Agreement on German External Debts signed in London on 27th February, 1953, and ratified by Ireland on 12th November, 1953.
Do we take it from the reply that the Government is now taking no action as regards payment of compensation to owners of Irish vessels which were damaged by the Germans during the war period?
That is not so. I informed Deputy Cotter recently that we were keeping in touch with the German Government to see if they would pay for any damage that might be assessed before the date that is in the London Agreement.
The Minister states that the question has been deferred. Could he indicate to what year this question has been deferred or for how long it is likely to be deferred? I think these people feel very aggrieved at the attitude of the Government seeing that it is now more than 14 years since the conclusion of the war. I should like to know for how long the question is likely to be deferred?
As the Deputy is aware the insurance has been paid on the vessel he has in mind, the insurance for the damage, and under the agreement that was signed in February, 1953, the actual claim on the German authorities, as against that on the insurance company, is deferred until the final settlement of the problem of German reparations.
The Minister will appreciate that my question is a general one and does not refer to any particular vessel. The Minister has not been very helpful in his reply.
I am being as helpful as I can.