HC Deb 19 November 1917 vol 99 c879W
Mr. BOLAND

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that Mrs. Johanna Cronin, Lomanagh, Sneem, county Kerry, has been granted a pension of 3s. weekly instead of the 5s. to which she is entitled; that her husband died after making a will by which he divided the farm between the two sons, leaving his widow the grass of two cows free; that probate of the will was taken out and the two sons hold separate receipts for the farm from the Land Commission; that the widow has now only one cow and one calf, and has no other means; that the Sneem Sub-Committee passed her claim for 5s.; and will he say what steps will be taken to obtain for Mrs. Cronin the full pension to which she is entitled?

Mr. DUKE

This pensioner has been in receipt of a pension of 3s. a week since 1st February, 1914. She applied recently for an increase, which was refused by the Local Government Board on the ground that her means precluded her from receiving a higher rate of pension. The facts as regards the will are as stated; but the pensioner is receiving maintenance from her sons on the farm, and it is doubtful whether she is now entitled to any pension.