asked the Minister for Local Government whether the Government have agreed and paid compensation to the trustees of the Nelson Pillar in respect of the malicious destruction of that monument; if so, how much; and how such funds will now be applied.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nelson Pillar.
5.
While no such agreement has been made, the question of the arrangements to be made consequent on the removal of the Pillar is at present under consideration.
Is it not true that, on an earlier occasion, the Minister indicated that steps would be taken to compensate the owners of the Pillar for loss of income?
What did the Deputy say?
Is it not true that the Minister gave an indication that compensation would be paid to the owners of the Pillar because the source of income they previously had, and from which they donated to charity, was abolished by the joint action of the Government and certain illegal organisations in the country?
Yes; the owners will have to be compensated.
When will the compensation be paid? In the meantime, can the Minister state if any contribution will be made from Government funds towards the charities which are losing heavily by reason of not having the income previously made available to them from the payments to go up the Pillar?
Legislation will be necessary. It should be possible to finalise this in a couple of months time.
Is it contemplated that it will be compensation from Dublin Corporation, the Dublin ratepayers, or from the Central Fund?
That has not been decided.