asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the concern expressed by the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland (details supplied) relating to their perception of an anomaly in granting constant care allowances to some families; if he will consider the request contained in their representations as sympathetically as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Domiciliary Care Allowance.
128.
I am fully aware of the views of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland in regard to the payment of domiciliary care allowance.
However, as I have indicated in replies to recent similar questions on this issue, the domiciliary care allowance is payable in respect of children who, due to a physical or mental disability, require a level of care substantially greater than that normally required by a child of the same age.
Eligibility for the allowance is determined by reference to the degree of care and attention required by the child rather than the type of disability or illness involved. There are no specified illnesses or other disabilities which automatically qualify for the allowance; consequently the question of extending the scheme to a particular category such as children suffering from cystic fibrosis does not arise.