asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the hardships to blind pensioners on attaining the age of 70, in that they receive a reduction in their pensions; and, if so, if he will take steps to rectify their situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reductions in Blind Pensions.
86.
A blind pension is similar to an old age pension except that the qualifying age is lower. The pension continues through 70 years of age without alteration.
There is no reduction?
No reduction; there could be cases where they had other welfare benefits which would not continue after the age of 70.
I have had representations made to me on this by a blind association.
There might be cases in receipt of sickness benefit continuous up to 65 which would discontinue at that age.
There would be a reduction then?
No, not in the pension.
There would be a reduction in the income of the individual?
Another source of income would cease at that age. It would arise in a small number of cases.