§ Mr. DUFFYasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that Patt Mitchell, of Loughrea, was awarded a pension last January of 5s. a week, and that his indenture papers to the bakery business show that, as long as strength and health was left him, he worked for 60 years at the trade; and will he explain the cause of keeping this old man so long in distress, waiting for the grant which should have been paid to him six months ago?
§ Mr. BIRRELLMitchell was allowed a pension as stated. The pension officer, however, appealed to the Local Government Board, who found it necessary to make inquiries from the pension officer and the clerk of the Loughrea Union with regard to claimant's age and means, and the alleged receipt of poor relief by him. As claimant was maintained in the workhouse hospital from May, 1907, to August, 1908, he was disqualified for a pension, having regard to the terms of the Board's. Circular Letter of 30th December last, a-copy of which has been sent to the hon. Member.