Section 199
⎯(1)
Where any sum of money has been lawfully paid by the Government as compensation for any loss suffered by any person, the amount of that compensation, together with all costs incurred in contesting or defending any claim or action in relation thereto, shall be deemed a debt due to the Government from the person legally responsible for the fraud, misrepresentation or other cause whereby the loss was suffered, and may be recovered from him or from his personal representatives in like manner as any other debt due to the
Government.
(2)
A certificate purporting to be under the hand of the State
Financial Secretary that any such sum has been paid under subsection
(1)
shall, until the contrary is proved, be evidence that such payment was made as aforesaid.