asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state on what dates the old age pension application of Miss Catherine Murray (B. 8370, Milford) was received by the pensions officer and submitted to the Milford sub-committee respectively; whether during this period the pensions officer visited the claimant; whether the applicant is in possession of any property of her own; and whether he will state in detail how her means were estimated when the case was decided on appeal.
Written Answers. - Old Age Pension Claims.
The first part of the question is a matter for the Minister for Finance. In giving decisions on appeal on 18th January, 1929, when a pension of 9/- a week was allowed, and on 21st January, 1930, when it was determined that the pensioner was not entitled to a pension at a higher rate than 9/- a week, it was held on the evidence furnished that the value of Miss Murray's maintenance by her brother on his farm of 17 acres of land (Poor Law valuation £5 15s.) with four and a half acres of tillage, and carrying three cows, exceeded £15 12s. 6d., but did not exceed £18 5s. a year.
asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that William McDonagh, of Bohola, Swinford, Co. Mayo, made application for the old age pension, and if, on the information of the parish priest of Bohola with reference to the claim in this case and now in the possession of the Department, he will have the application further considered with a view to granting him a pension.
This case was decided on the 12th August, 1929, when it was determined that the claimant was not entitled to any pension, as it was not clear on the evidence that his means, as calculated for old age pension purposes, were less than the statutory limit for the receipt of a pension. In accordance with Section 7 (2) of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1908, the decision is final and conclusive. The letter referred to by the Deputy is being retained in the event of the case coming before the Minister again for adjudication on a fresh appeal.
asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that much dissatisfaction prevails in the Cordal District, Kerry, regarding the decision of his Department in refusing an old age pension to Mrs Jeremiah Mahoney, Ballinard, Cordal, Kerry, the valuation of whose property is £7 5s. 0d.; that the Scartaglen Sub-Committee awarded her a pension of 6/- per week, and if the Minister will now consent to send an inspector to investigate the full facts.
An appeal on grounds of age and means in this case was received on the 27th December, 1929, against the proposed allowance of a pension of 6/- a week by the Scartaglen Pension Sub-Committee. The claimant did not furnish her birth or baptismal certificate. On the particulars furnished by her no record was found in the Marriage Register of her marriage during the period 1884 to 1887. Declarations were received from two neighbours which were not, however, considered sufficiently relevant or conclusive to warrant the allowance of a pension. As it was not clear that the claimant fulfilled the statutory qualification as to age the claim was disallowed on the 8th February, 1930. In the circumstances the question of her means was not fully considered. I have now no functions in relation to the case and am not empowered to intervene now in regard to it.