asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he will state the reason why the old age pension of 6s. per week granted by the Carrick-on-Shannon Sub-Committee to Mr. Martin Cooney, aged 86 years, of Cloonford, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Roscommon, has been refused by the Department; and whether it is a fact that this man was in receipt of a pension of 4s. 6d. a week in 1917, and was then in possession of his farm.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CARRICK-ON-SHANNON PENSION CLAIM.
Mr. HOGAN
The last appeal in this case was decided on 1st May, 1928, when it was determined that the claimant was not entitled to any pension as the Minister was not satisfied on the evidence before him that his means, as calculated under the Old Age Pensions Act, were within the statutory limit for the receipt of a pension. As regards the latter part of the Deputy's question it appears that the claimant was allowed a pension of 2s. a week on 1st April, 1915, and he may possibly have held the additional allowance of 2s. 6d. a week permitted in some cases prior to the passing of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1919. Upon a question raised his pension was, however, wholly discontinued by decision dated 19th April, 1918, on the ground that his means exceeded £31 10s. 0d. a year, which was then the limit for the receipt of a pension.
Does the Minister agree with the view that land is more value in 1928 than it was in 1917? This man was allowed no pension in 1928 though he had a pension of 2s. 6d. in 1917.
Mr. HOGAN
I have no opinions. All I know is that he has land to the value of £32 fully stocked. That is not too bad.