To ask the Minister for Local Government on what grounds an old age pension has been refused to James Hogan, of Deerpark, Shronell, Tipperary, whose claim was granted by the Local Pensions Committee on January 11th, but rejected on appeal to the Minister; whether, as stated by the local Pension Officer in Tipperary, the refusal was on the ground of the applicant possessing means, and if he is aware that the persons at present maintaining the applicant, who is crippled with chronic rheumatism, are prepared to make affidavit that he has no means whatsoever, and if the Minister will cause further inquiries be made.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - OLD AGE PENSION CLAIM.
The claim of James Hogan to an old age pension was disallowed by the Ministry on the 16th February, 1923, on the ground of means.
The claimant is maintained by his niece, who holds a farm of 18 Irish acres of good land, rent £16, and valuation £38. The farm feeds 10 milch cows, and in addition 9 calves, a horse, an ass, and the usual fowl. An acre and a half of the land is under tillage.
As the yearly value of the benefits and privileges enjoyed by the claimant as maintenance by his niece exceeds £49 17s. 6d. no pension was allowable.
Does that mean that because a person is in receipt of charity from a neighbour or a friend or a relative that he is to be disallowed his rights under the Pensions Act?
If they are maintained by relatives they are disallowed.
And what will happen if the relatives cease to maintain them?
No reply was given.