asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he will state the reason why an old age pension was refused to John O'Donnell (Sen.), of Plohoge, Arranmore Island, Co. Donegal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Donegal Pension Claim.
The claim was disallowed on the ground that it was not clear on the evidence submitted that the claimant fulfilled the statutory qualifications as to age.
Is the Minister aware that this applicant has unsuccessfully made application for an old age pension on a number of occasions? Is he further aware that so far as Arranmore Island is concerned no records are available so far as birth certificates are concerned and that the applicant has endeavoured to get a marriage certificate but that the marriage certificate contains no age? Is the Minister aware also that it has been proved to the Department that this applicant has a daughter 51 years of age, and in view of the fact that the applicant has submitted all the available evidence will the Minister say what further information he wants? The man is 75 years of age.
I am aware that this case has been before the local sub-committee, which has not been satisfied on the evidence produced that this person is the statutory age and that on appeal to the Department the decision of the local committee has been upheld.
Will the Minister say what further evidence he requires to establish the age of this applicant, and in view of the fact that he has a daughter 51 years of age and that he cannot get his birth certificate, and that the marriage certificate does not contain the age, will the Minister say what further information he requires?
I require such evidence of age as will at least satisfy me on the matter even if it does not satisfy the local sub-committee, but the applicant has not been able to satisfy the local sub-committee.
Is the Minister aware that no pensions sub-committee exists on the Island?
In the absence of an age certificate is it not usual in the case of applicants for old age pensions to be allowed the pension if the marriage certificate shows that the person is married over 50 years?
Deputies who have experience of old age pensions have from time to time received from me rather elaborate documents showing the alternatives that will be accepted if a definite birth certificate is not available.