asked the Minister for Social Welfare the estimated annual cost of administration of the means test in respect of blind pensions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Means Test Administration Cost.
15.
The annual cost of administration of the means test in respect of blind pensions is estimated to be of the order of £12,000.
How is it that the cost is of the order of £12,000 in view of the fact that only 26 people have been refused a blind pension in the past five years?
It is estimated in the administrative costs in relation to personnel doing other work as well as this. The element of cost in respect of blind pensions is estimated to be that figure. The officers investigating the means or the applications of blind persons have also other duties in relation to old age pensions, unemployment assistance, and so on.
Every year, on average, over the past five years we have refused five applicants for a blind pension and it is costing the country £12,000 to judge whether or not they are above or below the income limit. The Minister might consult with the Minister for Finance with a view to giving blind pensions on a non-means test basis. We could save £12,000 and give everybody an increase.
I would not say it is correct to say that only five persons were refused on a means test basis because blind pensions are granted automatically by the sub-committee, subject to medical evidence. When they are turned down on medical evidence the question of means has not yet arisen. Most of them are rejected on the evidence of an ophthalmic surgeon.
The Minister for Finance might have another look at it.