§ Mr. VINCENT KENNEDYasked on what grounds the old age pension payable to Patrick Farrell, Pound Street, Arva, has been discontinued; is he aware that between 1846 and 1855 this man was resident in Scotland; and will he further have directions given that in all cases when appeals are taken that the ground or grounds of refusing a pension be notified to the ex-pensioner?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEIn this case the Local Government Board decided, on appeal by the pension officer, that Patrick Farrell had not attained the statutory age for pension. I have no information as to his place of residence from 1846 to 1855, but it is found that while his parents were living at Rossduff, county Longford, in 1841 no trace of his name is to be found in the Census Returns of that year. The form of notification giving the result of appeals2050W follows that prescribed by the Statutory Regulations (Form 13, First Schedule).
§ Mr. JOHN O'CONNORasked the Chief Secretary whether, in computing the value of a small holding in the case of applicants for old age pensions in Ireland, where the pension officers furnish the pension committees with detailed statements of the value of stock, etc., on such holdings and a general estimate of the value of the crops thereon, it is permitted in such statements and estimates to make allowances in favour of the applicants for the maintenance of children necessarily employed on the holdings and to whose labours the profits, if any, arising from the holding are largely or entirely due?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI cannot answer for the pension officers who are not under my control. In appeal cases the Local Government Board, in assigning the values of stocks and crops on the farms of claimants for pensions, make allowance for the labour necessary for the cultivaton of the farms and for the care of the stock, but the Board have not found it possible to lay down any fixed rule which would be generally applicable as to allowances for the labour and maintenance of children. Each case is dealt with, having regard to the facts disclosed.
§ Mr. HAZLETONasked the Chief Secretary whether the Local Government Board has confirmed the old age pension granted by the Dunmore, county Galway, pension committee to Michael Devane, Cloonrane; and whether they will accept as proof of his claim the sworn evidence of several old age pensioners that Devane is about the same age as themselves and has been at school with and grown up together with them?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Local Government Board have received an appeal from the pension officer respecting a claimant named Michael Devane, but they cannot say definitely whether he is the person referred to in the question, as the documents relating to the case have not yet been received. Due consideration will be given to any evidence that may be furnished in support of the claim.