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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Nov 1996

Vol. 472 No. 1

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Joe Walsh

Question:

160 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Health if a person qualifies for a domiciliary care allowance from the date of diagnosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22815/96]

Limerick East): Domiciliary care allowance (DCA) is paid by health boards in respect of children between the ages of two and 16 years who are so severely physically or mentally disabled that they need care and attention which is considerably in excess of that normally required by a child of the same age. Eligibility for the DCA is determined primarily by reference to the level of care and attention which the child requires rather than the type of disability involved.

The guidelines state that the child's disability must be present at the time of the application, have been present for at least six months prior to that date and be likely to continue for at least a year. Once approved, payment is made from the date of application.

The question of income support is one of the areas which have been covered by the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities, whose report has just been launched by my colleague, the Minister for Equality and Law Reform. Accordingly, the criteria for entitlement to DCA will be reviewed in the light of the recommendations contained in the report.

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