§ Mr. SCANLANasked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that Michael Devaney, of Carrowkeel, Ballysodare, county Sligo, was deprived of his pension by the Local Government Board on 12th August last; if he is aware that the Local Government Board have given no grounds whatever for their decision; if he is aware that Devaney was recommended by the local pension officer a weekly pension of 2s., and that the local pension committee, after full consideration of the case, allowed him a weekly pension of 5s. on 15th December, 1908; whether he is aware that Devaney is 80 years of age, and that his only means of subsistence is derived from his tenancy of a small plot of ground, six acres in extent, the rent of which is £4 8s. yearly, and that his only stock on this plot of ground consists of one horse and two sheep; and whether, in these circumstances, he will cause Devaney's case to be reconsidered by the Local Government Board, with the view of having paid to this man the full pension of 5s. per week, which he is evidently entitled to?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Local Government Board disallowed this man's claim as sufficient evidence was not produced to satisfy them that he had reached the statutory age of 70 years. Before disallowing the claim the Board gave the claimant an opportunity of submitting any evidence on the point which he could obtain. The only way in which the case can be reopened is by the, lodgment of a fresh claim.