asked the Minister for Defence if he has received a claim for compensation from John Foley, Upper Kilgabriel, Clashmore, Co. Waterford, for the shooting of a horse by a party of National troops on the 27th May, 1923, and if he will state when the claim will be settled.

A claim was received from Mr. John Foley. It would appear, from the enquiry made in the matter, that the claimant's horse was straying close to a military post, under cover of darkness, and the troops opened fire in the belief that someone was riding the horse, with the result that the animal was shot. As the military fired in the execution of their duty, the claim could not be entertained as a charge against Army funds. The claimant's solicitor was notified accordingly on the 22nd September, 1924.