MR. T. F. RICHARDSI beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that Mr. James Bracken, of Ballinabrackey, was medically disqualified in May last through blood poisoning caused by an accident upon duty; whether, in spite of this and of the fact that he had performed twenty-six years full-time service, he has not yet been notified of any superannuation or compensation for the injury; and whether a decision will be given without delay.
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONMuch time has been necessarily taken up with the inquiries which have had to be made in this case. The Postmaster-General is advised that the accident on duty referred to is not the cause of Bracken's retirement, which is medically certified to be due to "natural debility from old age." Bracken has not held an established appointment, and is therefore not eligible 179 for the award of a pension on retirement; but the question of his eligibility for a compassionate gratuity under the Superannuation Act, 1887, is under consideration; and a decision on this point will be given at as early a date as possible.