HC Deb 31 December 1912 vol 46 cc201-2
41. Mr. O'DOWD

asked whether Luke Torsney, Cloonamanagh, county Sligo, Ballymote sub-pension committee, who owns only seven acres of bad land, was granted a pension of 5s. per week by the local committee, which sum was reduced to 2s. on the representation of the pension officer; and, if so, can he say on what grounds the officer acted, or whether this case will be reopened?

Mr. BIRRELL

Luke Torsney was in receipt of a pension of 2s. a week and made application to have it increased to 5s, a week, which application the local pension committee granted. The pension officer appealed against this increase, and the Local Government Board on such appeal refused the application on the ground that they were not satisfied that Torsney's means were such as to entitle him to receive a pension of 5s. a week. Before deciding this case the Board sent one of their inspectors to investigate the pensioner's circumstances. The Board have no power to reopen consideration of the case.

Mr. O'DOWD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of the sub-committees in the West of Ireland contemplate resigning their functions owing to the manner in which they are treated by the Local Government Board on the word of the pension officers?

Mr. BIRRELL

Well, Sir, I think I will wait until the contemplation becomes a fact.

Mr. FLAVIN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Ardfert Sub-Committee have resigned two months ago in consequence of the action of the pension officers?

Mr. BIRRELL

I cannot help that.

Mr. FLAVIN

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the basis or principle on which the pension officer acts in estimating the living of persons who apply for old age pensions, as there is a very strong feeling in many parts of Ireland about it?

Mr. BIRRELL

It is an extremely difficult thing to estimate accurately whether a person is getting £31 10s. 0d., or £26 8s. 0d., or £24 2s. 0d. per year. All these things have to be investigated on the spot, and I doubt whether anyone could lay down beforehand a precise basis of valuation when dealing with such amounts.