Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 422: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the link between the rate of payment for the blind pension and non-contributory old age pension was broken for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; the reason for the difference in these payments; if he has plans to re-link these payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32699/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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Up to 1998, the weekly rate of blind pension was equivalent to the rate of old age pension. In Budget 1998, special additional increases were provided for all pensioners aged 66 and over, including persons in receipt of blind pensions. Accordingly since then, blind pension has been payable at two different weekly rates, one for recipients aged under 66 and the second for those aged 66 and over.

At the end of September last, the State Pension Non–Contributory was established, replacing the old age pension and, for recipients aged 66 and over, blind pension, widow/er's pension, one parent family payment, deserted wife's allowance and prisoner's wife's allowance. The weekly rate payable is €182.

The rate of blind pension payable to those under 66 years of age (€165.80) is linked to the rate applicable to a wide range of other schemes for persons aged under 66, such as disability allowance. There are no plans to link the rate of blind pension to that of the state pension non-contributory. Any further improvements in the rate of blind pension will be considered in the context of the Budget.