asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state the reasons why the old age pension of Mrs. Maria Kelly, Quarry Street, Shillelagh, County Wicklow, was reduced.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - REDUCTION OF OLD AGE PENSION.
The claimant was originally allowed a pension of four shillings a week from September, 1921. The rate was increased by the Pension Sub-Committee to six shillings, and again to seven shillings. A question was raised for reduction of the pension to five shillings a week as from the 2nd of July, 1926. The Sub-Committee decided to reduce the pension to six shilling and, on appeal, I confirmed this decision on the 1st of September, 1926. This was the most favourable decision that could be given in view of the means of the pensioner and her husband.
Can the Minister say that there is enough means coming into the house of this agricultural worker? This woman is ill in bed. She has been paralysed for the last two years and there is nothing but the wages of the agricultural worker coming into the house.
The husband is earning 27/8 per week and there is a small plot of land value £2 12s. nearby; on that he was allowed £51 3s. 8d. per year, which makes his total means £53 15s. 8d. Accordingly, he gets his pension on the moiety of £26 17s. 10d.
Is the Minister aware that he has only a small plot of land attached to a cottage and that there are three in the house to be maintained? I question the statement that the man is in receipt of 27/6 per week, knowing the rate of wages paid to agricultural workers in that area.
That is the information I have.
Will the Minister reopen the case?
I will inquire further into it.