§ Mr. F. MEEHANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that Bridget Elerkin, of Dromahair, county Leitrim, was on several occasions granted an old age pension, but on appeal by the pension officer it was disallowed by 1749W the Local Government Board, on the ground that her age could not be found in the Census Returns; and whether, having regard to the fact that her mother had no fixed address and that several very old people certified that she was over the statutory age, and that she is now in appearance very old, infirm, and poor, an inspector will be sent to report specially on her case?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe facts are as stated in the first part of the question. Bridget Elerkin's case is not, however, before the Local Government Board at the present time. When her claim came before the Board in July, 1915, no satisfactory evidence was submitted that she had reached the age of seventy years, and the Board decided that she was not entitled to a pension.
§ Mr. F. MEEHANalso asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that Bryan Early, of Tullynagha, Dowra, county Leitrim, was granted the old age pension by the Carrick-on-Shannon (No. 1) sub-committee in November last, but on appeal by the pension officer it was disallowed by the Local Government Board on the ground of means; and whether, having regard to the fact that Early has no means and is a burden on his son who has purchased his small holding under the Land Act, further inquiries will be made into the case and his pension granted?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe facts are as stated in the first part of the question. The Local Government Board have made careful inquiries into this case, and they have decided that, on the ground of means, the claimant is not entitled to any pension.