asked the Minister for Local Government if a decision has yet been given in the case of Michael Duane, of Kylebrack, Loughrea, Co. Galway, whose claim to a pension was referred to the Local Government Department some three months ago.
[WRITTEN ANSWERS.] - PENSION CLAIM.
The first claim of Mr. Duane to old age pension was rejected by the Loughrea Pension Sub-Committee on the ground of means on the 16th November last. It appeared that he was employed as a carpenter and in receipt of wages of 6s. 8d. per day, with board and lodging estimated at 12s. 6d. per week. His total means were, therefore, in excess of £49 17s. 6d. per year, and no pension was allowable.
Mr. Duane then appealed to the Ministry against the decision of the Pension Sub-Committee, stating that he was out of employment since the 18th November last, but the Ministry on the 25th January confirmed the decision of the S Committee.
On the 22nd March last the Pension Sub-Committee proposed, as a result of a second application, to allow a pension of 10s. a week to Mr. Duane on the grounds that he was too feeble to work, and was not therefore in a position to earn any income. The Pension Officer appealed to the Ministry against this decision on the same grounds as in the first application. Mr. Duane was in employment on the 16th March according to a letter received from him on that date, although he stated that it would cease in a fortnight from then. It is proposed to disallow the second claim, as no definite proof has been submitted to show that the applicant has left his employment or that he is physically incapacitated, or that his earnings do not exceed £49 17s. 6d. per annum.