HC Deb 14 June 1915 vol 72 cc512-3W
Mr. FRANCIS MEEHAN

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that Mary Gaffney, of Keeloges, Largydonnel, county Leitrim, was deprived of her old age pension in September last, and that the pension officer refused to submit her application to the Ballyshannon Subcommittee for the restoration of the same; and whether she will be allowed an opportunity of proving her claim and having the pension restored?>

Mr. BIRRELL

Mary Gaffney was granted a pension of 5s. a week by the local pension sub-committee, to begin on January 1st, 1909. On September 1st, 1914, it was determined, on a question raised by the pension officer, that she had not been entitled to any pension since. January 1st, 1909, as she was not the statutory age at the time. Also she was fined at Kinlough Petty Sessions for making false statements as to her age. The Local Government Board have no information as to the alleged refusal of the pension officer to receive a fresh claim. Pension officers are not under the control of the Board, as they are under the jurisdiction of the Board of Customs and Excise, London. It is open to Mary Gaffney to make a fresh claim at any time, when the matter will be again investigated.

Mr. FRANCIS MEEHAN

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that John Mulvey, of Ballinaghera, Drum-shambo, county Leitrim, was awarded an old age pension by the Carrick-on-Shannon Sub-committee on March 10th last, and that, on appeal by the pension officer, it was disallowed; and whether, having regard to the fact that Mulvey is a poor man and over the statutory age inquiries will be made and his pension allowed?

Mr. BIRRELL

John Mulvey's claim was disallowed on appeal on the 18th ultimo, as it was not proved that he had reached the statutory age, and the Local Government Board have no power to reopen the case.