asked the Minister for Finance whether his attention has been directed to the legal proceedings instituted last April by certain subscribers to the Dáil Loan (Internal), 1919-1920, against the person who acted as treasurer for this loan in the old Parliamentary constituency of South Sligo, for the recovery of a sum of £40 subscribed by them, through him, and whether, in view of the court decision in the case, he is now prepared to refund to these persons the money which was subscribed by them in good faith.

I have seen a Press report of the proceedings to which the Deputy refers. The decision of the court does not afford any reason for modifying the decision at which I had already arrived on the claims of the persons concerned.

I am sure the Minister is aware that these moneys were subscribed to the Dáil Loan in good faith. Does he consider it fair treatment that his Department should now refuse to pay back to the subscribers the money which they contributed to this Loan?

There are a good many factors in this case. For instance, there is no indication as to when the money was subscribed. It was not lodged until a considerable time after the Loan was closed and if Dr. O'Harte had forwarded it to Dublin it would be credited to the Self-determination Fund at the date at which it was lodged.

Can the Minister hold out any hope that the persons to whom the question relates who subscribed to this Loan will receive a return of the money subscribed?

No, I cannot.