HC Deb 14 July 1909 vol 7 cc2028-9
Mr. CHARLES MacVEIGH

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that Edward M'Daid, of Letter-kenny, county Donegal, has been refused the pension granted to him by the pension committee; that his age has been proved to be over 70 years by four respectable men living in the same town who are themselves over 80 years of age; and that there is no record of Edward M'Daid's name to be found in the Census, nor of any of his family; and whether, seeing that he is proved to be over the statutory age, and no proof to the contrary, he will state why he is deprived of his pension?

Mr. CHERRY

I understand that the pension officer was unable to recommend this applicant for a pension as his age could not be found in the Census, and no satisfactory evidence on the subject was forthcoming. Certain persons in the district stated that they were of opinion that the claimant had reached the age of 70 years, but these statements of opinion could not be accepted as conclusive evidence. The Local Government Board, on appeal, upheld the objection of the pension officer.

Mr. C. MacVEIGH

Could the hon. Gentleman state what evidence there was?

Mr. CHERRY

The only evidence was the statement of the person himself, who said he believed he was over 70.

Mr. J. CULLINAN

Will the hon. Gentleman see that in all cases where important evidence with regard to age is given and the pension committee have granted the pension, that they are investigated by the local pension officer before the Local Government Board are allowed to strike the name off?

Mr. CHERRY

I am afraid I have no authority in the matter. The Local Government Board is appointed to deal with the matter. Any man who is refused, may, four months after his original claim, put in another claim.

Mr. M. JOYCE

How many years are such cases to go on before these poor people will get a pension owing to the Local Government Board acting in this way?

Mr. CHERRY

That is a question I can scarcely answer.

Mr. JOYCE

Are they ruled out for all time?

Mr. CHERRY

No; they may put in a new claim at any time—I think it is four months after the original claim.

Mr. JOYCE

Tried on the same evidence?

Mr. S. L. GWYNN

Is it the usage of the Local Government Board to disallow the recommendations of the pension subcommittee where there is no evidence of disproof presented?

Mr. CHERRY

I am afraid I must ask my hon. Friend to put that question down.

Mr. FLYNN

The hon. and learned Member referred to the Local Government Board. Is not the Chief Secretary the Chairman?

Mr. CHERRY

He is the President.

Mr. FLYNN

He is the Board.