asked the Minister for Finance if he can state why the claim lodged by John Kiernan, of Tullaghanstown, Navan, for malicious injury consequent on the burning of his dwelling, furniture, out-offices, farming implements, and machinery by Irregulars during the month of April of last year has not been heard; and whether he will give an undertaking that this claim will be immediately considered, so that the claimant will be in a position to judge whether he should or should not start rebuilding.

The investigation of this claim has been almost completed, and I do not anticipate there will be any undue delay in bringing it before the court for adjudication.