asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state why a blind pension has been taken from John Hoey, High Street, Wexford.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - BLIND PENSION CLAIM (WEXFORD).
In this case a question was raised as to whether he fulfilled the statutory condition of blindness. His eyesight was examined by a Medical Inspector of my Department, and on consideration of his report I was not satisfied that Mr. Hoey was blind within the meaning of the Blind Persons Act, 1920.
It appears that he works in the local theatre as cleaner and ticket checker.
Is the Minister aware that this reply is not in accordance with the statement made by the Minister for Local Government this day fortnight; also, is he aware that this man in consequence of his blindness had to discontinue his occupation?
The Deputy will understand that I have no particular information on the matter. Personally if I were a director of a company, I would not employ a blind man as a ticket checker.
Is the Minister aware that this man is only in part-time employment, and will the Minister state when this confusion will be cleared up as to when a man is entitled to a blind pension or not?