Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 5

Written Answers - Compensation Claims.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

76 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has been able to secure a commitment from the German Government to compensate the family of the owner of a vessel (details supplied) which was attacked and seriously damaged by the German Airforce during the Second World War and which is now the last remaining outstanding Irish claim from the war. [13055/01]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

This longstanding case involves a claim by Ireland for compensation from Germany in respect of the bombing of an Irish vessel, the MV Loch Ryan, by German war planes off the coast of Cornwall on 16 August 1940. The case has been taken up with Germany at intervals over the years and on three occasions in the past six years.

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department carried out a detailed study of the case in the second half of last year and a comprehensive submission was prepared for my consideration, following on from which the Irish Ambassador in Berlin met with a senior official in the German Foreign Ministry on 28 February last. At this meeting the Ambassador explained in detail the elements of the Irish claim and pressed for compensation from the German Government for the family of the late owner of the vessel. The outcome of the meeting of 28 February was conveyed orally to the representative of the family concerned and a comprehensive account of the exchange of views at the meeting has been sent to him by my Department and copied to the Deputy.

There is no evidence of a disposition to change in the German position and, in light of this, the prospect of an admission of responsibility by Germany at a future time must be considered unlikely. Moreover there is no international legal forum before which Germany can be compelled to appear in this case. For these reasons, further pursuit of the claim does not hold out the prospect of achieving a positive result. I can assure the Deputy and the family of the late owner of the MVLoch Ryan that it is very much regretted that it has not been possible to achieve a satisfactory outcome to this case.