asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state why an old age pension granted in 1923 to Mr. James O'Brien, Coolagoree, Scariff, Co. Clare, was recently withdrawn, and if he will state what fresh evidence came into the possession of his Department to disprove the evidence of the applicant that he was over 70 years of age, and if he will outline what evidence will be accepted as proof of age where names cannot be found in Register of Births or in Parish Registers.
CEISTEANNA.—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - SCARIFF (CLARE) O.A.P. CLAIM.
The grant of the old age pension to James O'Brien, Coolagoree, Scariff, County Clare, was cancelled on the 4th instant on the ground of insufficient evidence to show that he fulfilled the statutory condition of age.
As regards proof of age in cases where baptismal certificates are not available, the Deputy might be referred to the answer given to Deputy Doherty on the 26th instant.
Mr. HOGAN
In the answer given to Deputy O'Doherty some time ago I understand that the Minister said he would outline in the near future his definition of what is considered sufficient evidence of the statutory age. How soon may we expect that definition?
I expect I may be able to give that information within a week.
Would the Minister give us an idea of what is to happen in a case where no evidence of age is forthcoming?
In that case I should say there should be no pension. If there is no evidence of age there can be no question of a pension.
Even though the applicant was born in the year of the Big Wind.
A man must sometime or other reach the age of 70 and——
The Deputy must put down a separate question.