asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that Mrs. Sarah Murphy, of 25 Pearse Square, Dublin, has been on several occasions refused her old age pension by the assessment officers on the grounds of age; that the Dublin Old Age Pensions Committee, after giving full consideration to the case, were fully convinced feat the claimant is over 70 years, according to the schools record as submitted to the committee; and whether he will now give favourable consideration to her appeal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Old Age Pension Claim.
Mr. Byrne
There is no appeal in this case at present before me. It was decided on appeal on the 13th ultimo, that the claimant was not entitled to a pension on the ground that she had not reached the statutory age. The documents furnished in connection with the claim were carefully considered, but could not be accepted as evidence of the claimant having reached 70 years.
Mr. Byrne
Is the Minister aware that the local committees have power to recommend on appearance or any other evidence, such as school certificates or marriage certificates? Up to now, these certificates have been accepted. Will the Minister say why this unfortunate person is deprived of her pension, when this school certificate is there to prove that she is 70?
In this case a marriage certificate was available, showing that the claimant was a minor when married on the 17th February, 1895, that is to say, that she was born after 1874.
Mr. Byrne
Is the Minister aware that the marriage certificate was disproved in the case of the husband, who is described as a minor and who has his old age pension? In these circumstances, will he not give the claimant the benefit of the doubt?
There is other evidence that the claimant had not reached the statutory age.