asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he will state why Pat Grennan, of Orlar, Kilkelly, Co. Mayo, has not been granted an increase in his old age pension, which is presently only 4/- per week, notwithstanding that the valuation of his land is only 5/4.
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - OLD AGE PENSION CLAIMS.
An appeal was received on the 14th April last arising out of a question by the pensioner for an increase of his existing rate of old age pension (4/- a week). It was reported that he lived with his wife, two sons and a daughter on a farm of land (Poor Law valuation, £1 15s. 0d.) carrying some stock and with some tillage. There is also a shop, the profits from which, including proceeds from egg dealing, were estimated at £40. It was not clear, therefore, on the evidence, that the pensioner's means, as calculated for pension purposes, were less than £31 7s. 6d. a year, and by a decision dated 11th May, 1928, it was determined that he was not entitled to a pension at a higher rate than 4/- a week.
asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that the Foxford Old Age Pensions Sub-Committee allowed a pension of 9/- a week to John McHale (John), of Muckinagh, Foxford, Co. Mayo, which was disallowed by the Pension Officer, and whether he will have further inquiries made, so that the findings of the Sub-Committee will be carried out.
This pensioner raised a question about May last for an increase of his pension of 8/- a week. The Balla Pension Sub-Committee allowed a pension of 9/- a week, against which an appeal was received. It was reported that the pensioner owned and resided on a holding of 10 acres (Poor Law valuation, £5) carrying the usual stock. Having regard to all the evidence, it was not clear that the pensioner's means, as calculated under the Old Age Pensions Acts, were less than £20 17s. 6d. a year, and the application for an increase was disallowed on 16th ultimo. The case cannot now be re-opened.