asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been called to the murder, on the night of 15th August, 1923, of Michael Lyons, a member of the Civic Guard, stationed at Belturbet, Co. Cavan; if the deceased was for two years a member of the Royal Irish Constabulary, from which force he resigned in accordance with the wishes of the people; and whether any steps have been taken to compensate Thomas Lyons, of Ramore. Killimore, Co. Galway, the father of deceased, for the loss he has sustained through the murder of his son, who had contributed to his maintenance.

I am aware of the circumstances under which Guard Lyons met his death as the result of a shot fired by a military sentry, and am advised that he had resigned from the R.I.C. for political reasons. The soldier who fired the fatal shot is in civil custody awaiting trial. I regret that the claim for compensation cannot be entertained, as there is no legal liability attaching to the military in a case of this nature.