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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 2 Jun 1965

Vol. 216 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Blind Welfare Supplementary Allowances.

24.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the hardship to blind pensioners whose income drops considerably when the national health benefits cease on their attaining the age of 70; and if he will indicate to local authorities that a more generous allowance than 6/- for a single man, and 12/6d for a married man as blind welfare supplementary assistance is now necessary, as that sum was fixed in 1948 and bears no relation to present-day costs.

While in a small number of cases blind pensioners may be in receipt of disability benefit prior to reaching the age of 70 and lose that benefit after the age of 70, I am not aware that the situation causes such hardship as to warrant special measures other than those provided in the existing scheme for local authority blind welfare supplementary allowances. The rates of these allowances mentioned in the question were those suggested to local authorities in 1949 for adoption in their schemes of blind welfare. The authorities were informed at that time that the suggested rates were to be regarded as minima and that payment of higher rates, where sought, would be approved. A number of the authorities have, in fact, sought and been granted approval to pay higher rates and that policy will be continued.

It is as well to remember that at the time the rates mentioned by the Deputy were suggested as minima the maximum rate of blind and old age non-contributory pension was 17/6d per week and there was no contributory old age pension. Blind pensioners are paid under the same legislative provisions as old age non-contributory pensioners and consequently have shared in the improvements which have taken place under the old age non-contributory code in recent years, including the introduction of allowances for children.

Would the Minister not consider suggesting to local authorities that they increase the rates, as the rates appear to have remained static since 1949?

A number of local authorities have, in fact, increased the rates and I do not see why others do not do likewise, if it is necessary.

They might do it if the Minister asked them to do it.

I remind the Deputy these rates were suggested as minimal rates.

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