asked the Minister for Finance if he can state whether compensation was paid, and to whom, in respect of the Courthouse, Newcastle West, which was occupied by British Forces pre-Truce; if he is aware that on April 24th, 1924, a boy named Robert Monaghan was killed as a result of the falling of a ruined wall at the Courthouse, and that the parents of the boy now claim compensation.

No compensation has yet been paid to any person or body in respect of the alleged destruction of or injuries to the Courthouse, Newcastle West. I am not aware of the fact stated by the Deputy in the latter part of his question, but in any event, the occurrence would be outside the period in respect of which the State has agreed to pay compensation on certain claims in respect of death or personal injuries, and the parents would accordingly have to have recourse to the ordinary legal procedure as against the owners or other persons who may be liable.