asked the Minister for Social Welfare why payment of pension is withheld from a person until he is 21 years of age, who is so blind that either he cannot perform any work for which eyesight is essential or cannot continue his ordinary occupation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Payment of Blind Pension.
53.
The qualifying age for pension as a blind person under the Old Age Pensions Acts was originally 50. This was later reduced to 30 and subsequently to 21. There are other forms of payment and allowance available in respect of blind persons under 21 years of age.
Would the Minister say what forms?
There are allowances under the blind welfare schemes operated by the local authorities.
But there are no other forms in the Department of Social Welfare?
No.
Why not bring the age limit down?
I shall consider that.