asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he will state the number of blind persons in the Saorstát (a) under 30 years of age; (b) between the ages of 30 years and 50 years; (c) over 50 years of age; whether he will state the counties in which schemes for promoting the welfare of the blind are in operation, and whether he will state if he is satisfied that the provisions for promoting the welfare of the blind are adequate in the counties where schemes have not been adopted.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Welfare of the Blind.
The information asked for in the first part of the question is not available.
Approved schemes for the welfare of the blind are in operation in all counties and county boroughs except Cork and Mayo Counties and Limerick County Borough.
I am not satisfied that the provisions made for the welfare of the blind in areas in which schemes have not been adopted are adequate. The local authorities concerned have been pressed to carry out their duty in this respect.
Can the Minister take any action to compel the Mayo authority to introduce a scheme of this kind?
The matter is under discussion between my Department and the Mayo County Council.
Can the Minister not give the figures asked for in the first part of the question, even from the 1911 census?
According to the census of 1911, there were 3,250 blind persons in the area now comprised in the Free State. According to a return recently furnished by the Revenue Commissioners, there were 2,844 blind persons over 50 years of age in receipt of such pensions on 31st December, 1929. I doubt if I could give any more detailed information than that.
Is there not any more detailed information in the Department of Public Health?
The information in question could only be got by a proper census method. Any other method would be inadequate, and I do not think it would serve any useful purpose. If there is any aspect of the matter that, in a smaller way, would be of use to the Deputy, I would deal with it by correspondence if the Deputy would communicate with the Department.