asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that the blind pension of four shillings per week awarded to Mr. Patrick Quinn, Grangenolvin, Athy, Co. Kildare, is considered inadequate, and whether he will have this case reconsidered with a view to increasing same, as the man is unable to do any work and has no means.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - ATHY MAN'S BLIND PENSION.
The pension in this case was based on means which included ten shillings a week home assistance. If this item has been discontinued it is open to the pensioner to raise a question with the pension officer and apply for a suitable increase in his pension.
Arising out of that answer, can the Minister say why there has been such a delay in the awarding of this pension? I understand it is only payable from the 5th of this month, and it was awarded by the Athy No. 1 Sub-committee on the 16th January 1924—about 10 months ago. Does the Minister think that it is fair to treat those blind people in that way?
I think the Deputy has been misinformed. The decision allowing the pension was come to on the 2nd October, 1924, to be of effect from the 5th November, 1923, but during that time home assistance had been drawn.