asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state upon what grounds Mrs. Ellen Coogan, Old Grange, Narraghmore, Co. Kildare, has been deprived of her old age pension; if he is aware that this woman is over 80 years of age and without means, with the exception of £10 a year and the use of a room which her nephew is bound to allow her.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - OLD GRANGE (KILDARE) PENSIONER'S CLAIM.
Mrs. Coogan was granted the full old age pension in February, 1918. There was no appeal on the occasion.
A question was, however, raised recently on means as the value of the maintenance of Mrs. Coogan by her nephew (who holds a farm of 80 acres) was estimated at £52 a year.
The matter subsequently came before me on appeal, and on consideration of the Inspector's report it was held that Mrs. Coogan's maintenance in the substantial home of her nephew was worth more than £49 17s. 6d a year, and that no pension was, therefore, allowable in her case.
Is it the intention in this case that the nephews should turn out the pensioners and deprive them of that maintenance so as to impose a charge on the funds?
That is not the intention.
Is not that likely to be the effect?
It altogether depends on the character of the individuals concerned.
Might I ask that in the event of the home being the property of the nephew, what obligation lies on the nephew to support the pensioner?
I would require notice of that question.