asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that Mr. John Dooley, Ballycoolid (B/4643), Rathdowney, Laoighis, has made application on four occasions during the past four years for the payment of old age pension; that two pensioners over 80 years of age state they are fully convinced that the applicant is over 70 years of age; that evidence was tendered to the chairman of the local committee to prove that a younger sister of the applicant was born on 26th May, 1877; and if he will now sanction the payment of pension, at the maximum rate, to Mr. Dooley.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laoighis Pension Application.
The Deputy is referred to the reply given to him on the 28th November last to a question regarding this case. Evidence was tendered that a sister of the claimant was born on the 18th July, 1877, but it has not been established that this sister is younger than the claimant. There is no appeal in this case under consideration at present.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that at a meeting of the local pension committee on the 10th May a baptismal certificate was produced to prove that a younger sister of the applicant was born on the date mentioned in the question and that there was another sister in between the applicant and the other sister, who is dead? Will he review the evidence and say if such certificate is produced to him he will sanction payment of pension in this case? Is he aware that this particular individual has been endeavouring to survive in the last three years on a home assistance allowance of 8/- per week out of which he has to pay 2/6 per week rent?
I can assure the Deputy that any new evidence will be examined sympathetically.
If the baptismal certificate is produced to prove that the younger sister was born on the 26th May, 1877, will the Parliamentary Secretary say that he will favourably review his previous decision?
It is not possible for me to make a definite decision without seeing the evidence.
May I say that if I do not receive a favourable answer to that question inside the next week I reserve the right, with your permission, to raise the matter on the Adjournment?
That is blackmail, Sir.
Question No. 12.
It is to try to deprive citizens of their pensions.
Question No. 12.