§ Mr. J. P. FARRELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the pension granted to Thomas M'Connach, of Longford, and withheld from him on the ground that his wife was receiving outdoor relief for the support of an orphan grandchild, is now being paid; and will the amount kept back from him be also paid?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThomas M'Connach has been in receipt of a pension since 6th January, 1911. He was previously debarred from receiving a pension under the pauper disqualification clause, and I have no power to allow him any payment in respect of pension for any period prior to 6th January, 1911.
§ Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSYasked the Chief Secretary if he can say on what ground Thomas O'Dea, of Glensharrold, Ardagh, in the county of Limerick, was refused a pension by the Local Government Board, although on the statement of a respectable old man in the district that he was over seventy years of age, together with a certi- 511W ficate from his parish priest to the same effect, his name not being in the census returns, the Glin sub-committee were unanimous in granting it to him; and whether, as he can give no further proof of his age, he can say when he will get the pension?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Local Government Board upheld the pension officer's appeal on the ground that there was no satisfactory proof that Thomas O'Shea (not O'Dea) had reached the statutory age. He will obtain a pension as soon as any evidence can be produced to satisfy the pension authorities that he has attained the age of seventy years.