§ Mr. J. P. FARRELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland on what grounds James Reilly, Larkfield, Granard, was disallowed the old age pension; is he aware that this man bond fide assigned his place to his son who came from America, and only remained on condition of the assignment being made; whether he is aware that this man is now destitute, and will the pension therefore be restored?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI understand that the pension officer appealed against the committee's decision, reporting that the claimant appeared to have assigned the farm in order to qualify for a pension. The deed of assignment, which was dated 31st August, 1908, recited that the son was about to get married, but the pension officer at the date of his report stated that the son was still unmarried. Under the deed the claimant, in consideration of the handing over of his farm, was to be supported and maintained in the same manner as he was "heretofore accustomed to." Certain other privileges were reserved, and he was also to receive £50 at the date of the agreement and £50 in six months afterwards. Apart from the question of the annual value of the privileges reserved the Local Government Board were satisfied that the assignment came within Section 4 (3) of the Act, and they accordingly upheld the pension officer's appeal.