asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he will state the reasons why the applications of Mary Rodgers, of Torries, Arranmore Island, Co. Donegal, for an old age pension, have been rejected.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pension Claim.
Three appeals have come before me in this case. The last one was decided on the 22nd April, 1929, when it was determined that the claimant was not entitled to any pension, as it was not clear on the evidence that she had attained the statutory age.
Is the Minister aware that sworn affidavits were forwarded to the pensions officer by at least three persons in receipt of old age pensions stating that they had known the applicant from childhood and that they had good reason to believe that the applicant was the specified age? The Minister should be aware that, as the island of Arranmore is a couple of miles off the mainland, no proper birth certificates can be produced.
I am not aware of that. When the matter was investigated in November last, from the applicant's own admission it appeared that her age was about 67. Such evidence as has come before me does not establish sufficiently the fact that she is of the statutory age, but if further evidence can be brought forward, due consideration will be given to the matter.