Cecilia Keaveney
Question:106 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Health the current regulations in relation to qualifying for a domiciliary care allowance; and if these regulations are identical for all health boards. [11455/96]
Written Answers. - Domiciliary Care Allowance.
Limerick East): The domiciliary care allowance is not governed by specific regulations but was introduced by way of a circular which was issued to the health boards in September 1973. Therefore the guidelines are the same for all health boards. Domiciliary care allowance is payable under section 61 of the Health Act, 1970 which provides that the health boards may make arrangements to assist in the maintenance at home of infirm persons.
This allowance is paid in respect of severely disabled children between the ages of two and 16 years who need care and attention which is considerably in excess of that normally required by a child of the same age. It does not apply to children who are being maintained in residential care. The new rate of payment with effect from today is £100.60 per month.