asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state why the Pension Officer has refused to sanction the claim of Miss Elizabeth O'Toole, Broadleas, Ballymore-Eustace, for the old age pension recommended by the Local Committee.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - OLD AGE PENSION CLAIM.
The Pension Officer lodged an appeal in this case against the rate of old age pension—nine shillings a week —allowed by the Naas South Pension Sub-Committee on the 9th ultimo, and a decision thereon has not yet been arrived at. He reported that the claimant is maintained by her sister, who owns a cottage and 16 acres of land, valuation £30. He estimated the value of the maintenance at £26 a year. On that figure a pension of six shillings a week only is allowable under the 1924 Act. The Pension Officer's estimate appears to be moderate in view of the valuation of the farm. If, however, there are any exceptional reasons for placing a lower value on the maintenance, and the facts are supplied, the matter would receive full consideration.
Is the Minister aware that this lady is almost a total invalid, that she has no means, and is entirely dependent on her relatives to support her, and that she can hardly be considered to have an income in these circumstances?
That matter has been taken into consideration.