asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he will state the reasons for refusing to authorise the payment of a blind pension to James Slattery, 1 Limerick Lane, Droichead Nua, County Kildare, number in Pensions Officer's Register 2938; further, whether the Minister is aware that two eminent doctors have certified that his eyesight is so bad that in their opinion he is entitled to a pension, and whether he will have Mr. Slattery examined by an Inspector from the Department.

An appeal was decided in this case on the 8th March, 1930. It was determined that the claimant was not entitled to a pension under the Blind Persons Act, 1920, as it was not clear on the evidence submitted that the claimant was blind within the meaning of the Act. The evidence included a medical certificate dated 9th December, 1929, stating that the degree of vision possessed by the claimant with the assistance of glasses was 6/18th. This is in excess of the standard which would permit of the allowance of a pension. A certificate was not received from any other doctor in connection with the appeal. Having determined the appeal, I have now no further functions in relation to the case.