asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that cattle, the property of Messrs. Joseph Keegan, Derrymore, John Fegan, Ballinagore, Toarlismore, Kilbeggan, and Joseph Gormly, Glengorm, Kilbeggan, were seized from the lands of Mr. Crosbie, Glenorm, Kilbeggan, by National forces, that the said land was rented by him to the above-mentioned gentlemen; whether the Minister has received claims in respect of these cattle, amounting to £20 from Mr. Joseph Keegan, £40 from Mr. Joseph Fagan, and £15 from Mr. Joseph Gormly; and further, whether it is his intention to compensate these men, or alternatively, to return the cattle.

Enquiries are being made in the matter but they are not yet completed.

Does the Minister know if it will be possible to expedite inquiries so that these people may get refunded the losses sustained? They are innocent people and they had to pay for the grass of this land and it is not right at all that their cattle should be seized.

That is a speech.

If the Deputy will give me a short memo, in regard to that matter I will forward it to the Minister for Defence.