Vol. 491 No. 1
80 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to an anomaly which exists whereby a domiciliary care allowance is not allowed for handicapped babies until they reach the age of two years; and the steps, if any, he is taking to rectify the situation. [11382/98]
87 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will address the matter of discrimination against babies in relation to domiciliary care allowance (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11543/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 87 together.
Domiciliary care allowance — DCA — is paid by health boards in respect of children between the ages of two and 16 years who are severely physically or mentally disabled and who require constant care and supervision substantially greater than that which would normally be required by a child of the same age. The scheme was introduced by way of Circular 24/73 in 1973 and operates under section 61 of the 1970 Health Act.
The scheme applies to children aged between two and 16 years and only the means of the child are taken into account, for example, a child who receives a payment of compensation resulting in an income in excess of the allowances does not qualify. The current rate of the allowance is £103.60 per month. The medical assessment is carried out by health board medical personnel. In some cases, depending on medical condition, eligibility is reviewed at regular intervals, for example, if the child's condition improves, he or she may no longer meet the criteria for eligibility. The allowance is not paid in respect of children maintained in institutions. However, where a child is at home for a continuous period of more than two months, for example, summer holidays, the allowance may be granted for that period. Allowances amounting to a total of £11.2 million were paid to 8,812 recipients in 1997.
At present the scheme does not cover children under the age of two years. Children below the age of two normally require constant care and attention in any event. However, there are other supports available to parents who are experiencing difficulties in caring for a child of under two years. For example, they may apply to their local community welfare officer for help under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. Furthermore, if the child's condition requires frequent and expensive medical treatment a child may be awarded a medical card in his or her own right by the health board. Parents may also seek advice and support from the boards in obtaining necessary aids and appliances.
