Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)

I raise the issue of a social welfare case that appears blatantly unfair, discriminatory and anomalous concerning the pension entitlements of a woman in my constituency who is 66 years of age. This woman lives in west County Waterford, has virtually no vision in her right eye and very little in her left. Since 1999, she has been in receipt of widow's pension and was further granted the blind pension in 2000. However, since turning 66. last November and consequently receiving old age contributory pension, she has found that she has lost a considerable amount of her income.

Before reaching 66, the two pensions combined had given her €340.10 per week, with fuel and living alone allowances in addition. However, on turning 66 she lost the entitlement to the blind pension and now receives only €209.30 in basic pension plus fuel and living alone allowances. As one may imagine, she is quite distressed about this. She believes it is very unfair to take away one of her social welfare payments simply because she has turned 66. As a result of this development, she has become quite depressed and feels a large amount of her independence has been taken away from her.

She has written a number of letters to the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Brennan, about her case, to no avail. In each instance she has pointed out the contrast with those receiving carer's allowance. They will be able to claim half a carer's allowance as well as another social welfare payment from September. Why should people with visual impairment not be treated in the same way? It is disgraceful that Celtic tiger Ireland treats older people in such a miserly and skinflint manner. This woman has done nothing wrong. All that has happened to her is that she has aged one more year, yet she finds herself significantly penalised financially for doing so. I am calling on the Minister to explain why this anomaly is allowed to exist, whether he agrees with it and if not, how he intends to clear it up.

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