asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he will take steps to ensure that blind widows do not have their income from State pensions reduced sharply when they attain the age of 70.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Income of Blind Widows.
50.
Legislation would be necessary to implement the proposal underlying the Deputy's question. Such legislation is not contemplated.
Will the Minister agree that there is something wrong about a blind widow having her income reduced by something like 40 per cent when she reaches 70 years of age? Does he not think something should be done about that?
This is an anomaly, if you like, but when it was originally introduced it was a benefit conferred on widows which other people did not get.
Why take it away when she reaches 70? Would the Minister not arrange for her to continue to get the blind pension instead of the old age pension?
I will deal with the matter when my Estimate is before the House.