asked the Minister for Finance whether, pursuant to Section 15 of the Damage to Property (Compensation) Act, 1923, His Honour the former County Court Judge for Kerry certified on 22nd January, 1924, that Margaret Hannon, of Listowel, Co. Kerry, was entitled to a sum of £80, with £7 3s. 3d. costs and expenses; and whether the Minister has refused to pay this amount or any part of it, on the ground that the Act did not apply in this case; and if he will state under what section of the Act he assumes the right to overrule the report of the County Court Judge.

Payment of reports is at the discretion of the Minister for Finance. The Judge's recommendation in this case was in respect of the billeting of Irregulars. I am advised that claims of this nature are not within the terms of the Act, and payment was accordingly refused.