§ Mr. PATRICK O'BRIENasked the Chief Secretary whether he will say, in respect of the old age pension claim of Mrs. Bridget Hickey, Kilkenny, on what grounds it is stated that the husband is still licensee of the small public-house and that the wife carries on the business, in view of the evidence before the committee that everything necessary to transfer the licence has been done (except formal confirmation at the annual Sessions next October); on what grounds the apparent refusal of the Local Government Board to make any allowance for the assistance of a married son and his wife in the business (held by the committee to be necessary and proper even if the father were still to be regarded as owner of the business) is based; and, in view of the feelings of the Kilkenny committee respecting these two cases, whether he will undertake that new claims by the husband and wife will be given fresh consideration?
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§ Mr. BIRRELLPatrick Hickey is the licensee of the public-house until the transfer of the licence is carried out in October next. As regards the question of assistance, the Local Government Board were informed that Mrs. Hickey was able to look after the shop herself. If any further claims are referred to the Board on appeal they will be fully considered.