asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that Mrs. Mary J. McGivney, Clooneen, Barracoola, County Leitrim, was in receipt of a blind pension of 10/- a week; that an appeal against the payment of this pension has been entered by the local investigation officer on the grounds that Mrs. McGivney is in receipt of part of the wages of her husband, who is employed as a road worker by the Longford County Council; whether he is aware that Mrs. McGivney has a young family, and that, in view of her disability, her husband has to pay some person to look after the family; and what action, if any, he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Leitrim Blind Pension Case.
The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the latter part I would point out that for the purpose of determining the rate of old age or blind pension the means of a olaimant, if married, are assessed at one half of the total means of the married couple. In this case the means of the pensioner's husband, who was employed by the Longford County Council and had casual earnings were such as would permit only of a pension at the rate of 5/- a week being paid to his wife in accordance with the statutory conditions.
Arising out of the Parliamentary Secretary's reply, this man is unemployed at the moment. Owing to the bad weather the Longford County Council men are not working at the present time. The means given by the investigation officer in this case are, I think, rather big. I would ask the Parliamentary Secretary to inquire into the case and see what he can do. I know that nothing can be done until six months have elapsed.
There is not any time limit as regards raising the question. If, in fact, the means position has altered since the question was determined it is open to the claimant to reopen the matter by raising the question again, and of having it decided in the light of the altered circumstances.
Thank you.