MR. P. J. O'BRIENI beg to ask the Postmaster-General if he has received a communication from the board of guardians of Nenagh Union with reference to the case of a man named Edward Doheny, formerly a postman at Nenagh, who became insane and was committed to Clonmel Lunatic Asylum, being awarded a pension of 8s. per week; whether a deduction of 1s. per week has been made by his Department on the grounds that the Government make a contribution towards the maintenance of pauper lunatics; and, if so, whether, having regard to the circumstances of this case, that Doheny has left a delicate wife and a family of nine helpless children, he will allow the full pension of 8s. per week, and not leave them a burden on the ratepayers to the extent of 5s. per week out-door relief.
LORD STANLEYThe communication referred to by the hon. Member has been received from the board of guardians of the Nenagh Union, and it is the fact that a deduction of 4s. a week is made from the pension of Edward Doheny, late postman at Nenagh. The deduction is rendered necessary by the provisions of the Superannuation Act, 637 1887, and I regret that, in these circumstances, it is not possible to pay the pension in full to Mrs. Doheny.