asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he can state on what grounds an old age pension has been withheld from Denis Fenelon, Regent Street, Bagenalstown.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CARLOW OLD AGE PENSION CLAIM.
EAMON O DUBHGHAILL
The claimant was notified by my Department that an appeal on means had been lodged against a decision of the Bagenalstown Pension Sub-Committee granting him an old age pension of nine shillings a week. The letter of notification was returned un- delivered, as the claimant had changed his address.
The Clerk of the Sub-Committee subsequently forwarded a new address, and the case was referred for local investigation to one of the Department's General Inspectors. He could not find the applicant, whose address was unknown locally. In the circumstances the claim was disallowed on the 25th of October last.
Mr. DOYLE
Would the Minister say how the particulars as to means were compiled in the first case?
The claim was disallowed as I was not satisfied that the claimant's yearly means were less than £39 5s. Od.
Mr. DOYLE
Is the Minister aware that this man was only living on charity and the pensions officer put down £19 4s. Od. for lodging, 1s. per night, and that he put down £10 8s. Od. for charitable donations from people? This man was evicted at one time and got down and out. Is this the way we find that the Minister is going to deal with persons like this?
I explained that my general inspector went down to investigate the case and could not find the applicant.
Mr. DOYLE
Of course not; he was away begging.