asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the statement of the Minister for Finance on 20th February, 1974, that bomb damage in border counties arising out of the Northern Ireland situation would not become a charge on local rates, he will make arrangements to have all outstanding claims in respect of such damage paid immediately.

Local authorities will be notified shortly of the details of the Exchequer assistance to local rates in respect of such damage.

Has the Minister made any provision for the payment of personal injury claims in relation to this bomb damage?

That is another question.

In view of the terms of Deputy Leonard's question, will the Minister make it quite clear whether the arrangements being notified to local authorities will cover the Exchequer paying all outstanding claims, which is what the Deputy asked?

As Deputy Colley is aware, it would not be the intention to pay all outstanding claims. Delay is caused by the fact that it has been difficult to find out what exactly is due, which is a different matter entirely. People claim much more than they ultimately get.

Is it not true that court cases have already been taken and amounts assessed by the courts in most cases?

In some cases. I can assure the Deputy that we now feel the matter can be dealt with very quickly.

Does this include personal injury claims?

This is bomb damage. I think the decision to deal with personal injury claims was specifically dealt with earlier and there is no doubt about that part of it.

Mention was made of a sum of £388,000. Will that amount be paid?

Whatever amount is due will be paid. I want to make that very clear.

A Government Deputy informed this House a month ago that he had a private assurance that it would be paid.

If a Government Deputy assured the House of that, the Deputy can be sure he was telling the truth.

Apparently we can rely on him more than the Minister.

That is your choice.

Is it true that if all the cases were settled in the courts the money would issue immediately?

That would appear to be the situation.