HC Deb 12 February 1913 vol 48 cc967-8W
Mr. BOLAND

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the local subcommittee at Sneem considered that Jeremiah Shea, Rossmore Island, Tahilla, Kenmare, was entitled to a pension of 5s. per week, and the pension officer held that he was entitled to a pension of 3s.; whether he is aware that this man was in receipt of a pension of 3s. before the Act of 1911 came into operation, and that he then became entitled to and received a pension of 5s. until the death of his wife; and can he state why the Local Government Board has now declined to grant him any pension?

Mr. BIRRELL

Jeremiah Shea was not in receipt of any pension until the passing of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1911, when on appeal his claim was allowed and a pension of 3s. a week awarded by the Local Government Board on the 17th November, 1911, half the total yearly means of the claimant and his wife being estimated at over £23 17s. 6d. but less than £26 5s. As his wife is now dead he must be regarded as the sole owner of means exceeding £31 10s. a year, and therefore he is not entitled to any pension.