asked the Minister for Finance whether the rates of pension payable to blind persons under the Blind Persons Act of 1920, and based on the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on the Welfare of the Blind, 1917, are still in operation, and whether, in view of the increased cost of living, and in order to ensure to blind persons adequate allowances, he will take steps to increase the amount of each pension.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Blind Persons' Pensions.
The rates of pension at present payable to blind persons are substantially the same as those which were in force under the provisions of the Blind Persons Act, 1920, but the ranges of means to qualify for the various rates have been altered. Section 6 of the Old Age Pension Act, 1932, reduced the statutory age for the receipt of a pension by a blind person from 50 years to 30, and introduced a definition of blindness more favourable to claimants and pensioners than that in the Blind Persons Act, 1920. I am aware of the increase in the cost of living, but having regard to the existing heavy burdens upon taxpayers, there is no prospect of any increase in the amounts of the pensions becoming practicable.