asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that the second claim of Patrick Keogh, Church Lane, Kildare, for an old age pension passed by the Pensions Committee has been appealed against by the Pensions Officer; further, whether he is aware that the Kilcullen Parish Register was destroyed when the vestry was burnt down some years ago; that Mr. P. Byrne, Principal, Kilcullen School, can verify from the old school roll-books that Patrick Keogh, of Castlemartin, Kilcullen, entered school on the 7th January, 1861, at the age of 7¾ years, and whether he will accept this as satisfactory evidence of age for award of pension.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - OLD AGE PENSION CLAIM (KILDARE).
The facts are substantially as stated in the Deputy's question. The evidence put forward has been accepted as satisfactory, and a pension of six shillings a week has now been allowed as from the date of receipt of the claim by the Pensions Officer.
Could the Minister say why the full pension of 9/- was not awarded in this case? I understand that the man is without any means, and, therefore, I think the pension of 9/- should have been awarded.
I am afraid the Deputy will have to ask a separate question.