asked the Minister for Health if he will consider increasing the income allowance for seriously mentally retarded children and extending it in respect of all mentally retarded children.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Handicapped Children's Allowance.
9.
I presume that the Deputy's question relates to the scheme of allowances for the domiciliary care of handicapped children which was introduced in October, 1973.
Increases in allowances of this nature are normally dealt with in conjunction with the budget proposals; while provision has not been made for revision of the allowances in question this year, the matter will fall for consideration in relation to the next budget.
The allowances are payable in respect of all physically or mentally handicapped children who satisfy certain criteria. I do not consider that I would be justified in making a distinction between severely mentally retarded children and other handicapped children in regard to the amount of the allowance or in exempting all mentally retarded children from the general conditions governing eligibility for an allowance.