asked the Minister for Social Welfare why the transfer of a farm of land of twentyfive acres by old age pensioners (names supplied) in the townland of Doohill North, Ardara, County Donegal to their niece has not been accepted by his Department for old age pension purposes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pensions: Non-Acceptance of Transfer of Donegal Farm.
35.
The transfer of the farm in question was not accepted by the appeals officer as grounds for granting an increase in old age pension as it appeared to him that the transfer had been made for the purpose of qualifying for pension at a higher rate than would otherwise be payable. The person to whom the transfer was made is a niece of the pensioners and is not resident on or near the holding.
Is the Minister aware that the pensioners in question are respectively 74 and 75 years of age and that owing to their age, they are unable to work the farm and that the only relative they have to whom they can transfer is the niece? In view of that and of the bona fide nature of the transfer, would the Minister not reconsider the case of these unfortunate people?
I am aware of what the Deputy says but I do not think the transfer in this case would result in the farm being worked more efficiently since the transferee is living in Mitchelstown, County Cork.
The Minister is aware that the farm is not being worked at the moment because the two unfortunate people there are incapable of working it. He is also aware that the transferee can and will procure labour to work the farm in a proper manner. Of course they do not belong to a cumann.