asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will introduce legislation to ensure that a widow in receipt of blind pension and widow's pension will not suffer the loss of the latter pension on attaining the age of 70.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Widows' Pensions.
1.
The upper age limit for receipt of widow's pension and other benefits under the social insurance scheme, as well as for payment of contributions, is 70 years, at which age title to old age pension arises. It would not be feasible to extend this limit in respect of any particular class.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary appreciate the hardship it is on widows who are blind and who have to suffer this loss on attaining the age of 70?
Yes, but the position is that when the overlapping benefit regulations were being framed the Minister decided to allow blind pensions and widows' pensions to be paid concurrently at the full rate.
Yes, but they lose one of them when they go over 70.
Yes, and they also lose other social benefits.
But this is one of the greatest.
There are plenty of contributions from local authority sources.
They are not very generous.
Why did the Deputy not change it?
I did not change it: I am asking you to change it.