§ Mr. J. P. FARRELLasked the Chief Secretary on what grounds an old age pension was refused to Lawrence Dennigan, although the same was on two occasions passed for him by the Ballinamuck Sub-committee; whether he is aware that the assignment of his farm to his son was effected by the direction of the donor in the interest of Dennigan's son; and, if so, whether it is proposed to deprive this man of the only means of support he can have, since his son has entered into possession of the farm?
§ Mr. BIRRELLLawrence Dennigan's claim was disallowed by the Local Government Board on the ground that his means exceeded the statutory limit. The Board were not satisfied that the assignment to the son was a valid one. In any case, having regard to the extent of the farm and the stock and crops thereon, even if it did belong to the son, claimant's maintenance on the farm would, in the opinion of the Local Government Board, be worth more than £31 10s. a year. The Board have no power to reopen the case.