asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state why an old age pension book was taken by the local Pensions Officer from Patrick Casey, Lifford, Ennis, and if, in consideration of the necessitous circumstances of the pensioner, he will have it restored to him at once.
CEISTEANNA.—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - OLD AGE PENSION DISALLOWED.
I have no information or functions in this case as there has been no appeal so far against the ruling given by the Pension Officer upon his review under the Act of 1924. The review would, however, be final unless the pensioner exercised his right of appeal to the local Pension Committee. If he did not avail himself in due course of his right of appeal, the time for doing so has long since expired and the only course open to him now is to make a new claim to the Pension Officer and furnish with it a detailed statement of his means.
Mr. HOGAN
I do not understand the reply. The fact is that the pension book was taken up by the pension officer and has not yet been returned. The pension book was in his possession, but it was taken up. Can the Minister say why it was taken up, and why it has not been returned?
I have no functions in the matter unless the case comes before me on appeal. I cannot intervene in a case of that kind.
It is a question for the Minister for Finance.