Social Welfare Benefits

Tuesday, 30 January 2024

Questions (452)

Sean Fleming

Question:

452. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of blind persons in receipt of the blind welfare allowance which is a means tested payment; the number of persons in receipt of less than €50, between €50 to €100, between €100 to €150; between €150 to €200 and over; if the means test for this payment will be re-examined for persons who are in this difficult situation in order that more persons can qualify for a larger payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4134/24]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (Deputy Anne Rabbitte)

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible. The Deputy will be aware that due to the ongoing industrial action by FORSA administrative and management grade staff in the HSE (which commenced on 6 October, 2023), delays remain in receiving answers to parliamentary questions and ministerial representations. The HSE has been engaged with Forsa through the auspices of the WRC in an effort to resolve the dispute but a resolution has not been reached as of yet.