§ Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSYasked the Chief Secretary if he will state how the Local Government Board (Ireland) estimated the income of Mrs. Shanahan, of Lisnamuck, Croagh, in the county of Limerick, at more than £31, having regard to the fact that she assigned her interest in her place to her son, on his marriage over four years ago, for her board and lodging, which, on disagreement with him, was valued by her 1240W for £12 a year, and having regard to the fact that the pension officer allowed her 3s. a week, which she was dissatisfied with, and from which an appeal only was taken; and, having regard to the latter fact, will he say if the Local Government Board were entitled to go beyond the matter of appeal?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI understand that, under the assignment referred to, Mrs. Shanahan is, in the event of disagreement with her son, to be allowed £12 per annum and a room in her son's house. She herself estimated the board and lodging she at present receives as worth 10s. a week. The Local Government Board, however, considered that the value of the claimant's board, lodging, clothing and other privileges on a well-stocked farm, containing 78 Irish acres, exceeded the statutory limit. The Board hold that they are bound to satisfy themselves that a claimant or pensioner whose case comes before them on appeal is in all respects qualified for a pension and fulfils all the statutory conditions.