asked the Minister for Defence if it is intended to pay compensation to the dependents of the late Private M. O'Dowd, who was killed while on duty, in a traffic accident at Clondalkin on 14th June, 1940.

Private Michael O'Dowd received fatal injuries when the Army motor cycle which he was riding crashed into a civilian lorry. The court of inquiry held to investigate the occurrence found that Private O'Dowd's injuries were caused by his misconduct in attempting to pass another vehicle at a crossroads and, especially, when that vehicle had signalled its intention of turning. The court further found that Private O'Dowd appeared to have been travelling at an excessive speed. In such circumstances, I regret that the question of compensating the deceased's dependents cannot be considered.