I beg to move:—
That the Seanad request the Government to expedite the hearing of claims for compensation in the case of persons who have suffered losses prior to the 11th July, 1921.
This is a subject which I have touched upon before, and which affects many people in the country districts. Everybody is aware, I think, that post-Truce claims in Dublin have been met to a certain extent. We who suffered losses in the country certainly do not grumble at that, but I know of cases in which decrees were given a year ago where no compensation has yet been paid. Figures have been given in the Dáil by the Minister for Finance, showing that claims to a large amount have been paid. I think I am right in saying that Dublin was included in that financial statement. I think the claims were all lumped together—the country claims and the claims dealt with in the city of Dublin. In the country, however, the fringe of these claims has hardly yet been touched. The hearing of them before the judges has not even taken place. I am perfectly aware that the judges have a great deal of work to do, and that the pre-Truce claims have to be dealt with. These claims have to come before a Commission. In the meantime, those people in the country districts who have suffered losses since 1921, are beginning to get excessively anxious, and wish to know when their claims are going to be dealt with.
