2046. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider changing the mean assessment figure for the blind pension in Budget 2027 in line with the means assessment currently in place for disability allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57645/26]

Blind Pension is the primary social assistance scheme for people who are blind or visually impaired. Blind Pension is a means-tested payment payable to those aged between 18 and 66. Eligibility requires that a person’s vision is impaired to such an extent that they cannot perform any work for which eyesight is essential or cannot continue in their ordinary occupation. Blind Pension is the only income support payment designed to cater for people with a specific disability.

In line with many other means-tested social welfare schemes, the first €20,000 of capital is not assessed in the means test for Blind Pension. For amounts over €20,000 the next €10,000 is assessed at €1 per €1,000, the following €10,000 is assessed at €2 per €1,000 with the remainder assessed at €4 per €1,000.

Disability Allowance is my Department's primary disability related social assistance scheme. It is a means-tested payment for people with a disability who are aged between 16 and 66. In order to be eligible, the disability must be expected to last for at least one year and, as a result of this disability, the person is substantially restricted in undertaking work that would otherwise be suitable for a person of their age, experience or qualifications.

Disability Allowance has one of the highest capital disregards operated by the Department of Social Protection. A recipient can have up to €50,000 in savings and still receive the full rate of payment. In addition, unlike Blind Pension, Disability Allowance is not taxable.

Anyone who does not qualify for Blind Pension due to the capital assessment can apply for Disability Allowance. Blind Pension and Disability Allowance have the same personal rate of payment, rates for qualified adults, Child Support Payments, and personal earning disregards.

The number of Blind Pension recipients are decreasing year on year. Many blind and visually impaired people now avail of Disability Allowance. As of the end of June 2026, there were 901 recipients of Blind Pension. Estimated expenditure on Blind Pension for 2026 is expected to be approximately €12 million.

Any changes to the Blind Pension scheme could only be considered in the overall policy and budgetary context.

I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.