asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that Mr. Edward Connor, Forgney, Moyvore, County Westmeath, a labourer, living with his brother in a labourer's cottage, was awarded an old age pension of 10/- a week by the Ballymahon sub-committee; that this award was appealed against by the pensions officer on the ground that Mr. Connor was receiving 10/- per week for labouring; that the pensioner lives over two miles from his employers' residence and, as he is a frail man, will not be able to continue employment to supplement the old age pension; and if he will state what action, if any, he will take in this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Westmeath Pension Award.
The pension officer's appeal was upheld and a pension of 6/- a week was granted to Mr. Connor on the basis of his earnings, which did not permit of a higher rate. Should his employment cease, it will be open to him to apply for an increase in his existing rate of pension. No further action on the Minister's part is called for unless the case should again come before him for adjudication on appeal.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this man is unable to work and that he is now compelled to live on the large sum of 6/- per week, after being in employment for the past 30 years? Is there any way by which it could be arranged that some of his insurance would come back to him?
Should the claimant desire to raise a question, he may do so, but, on 16th May, we were notified that his employment had not ceased. It is open to him to raise a question, if his circumstances have been altered. It will be sympathetically considered.