Vol. 508 No. 2
9 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to reform the domiciliary care allowance to extend it to develop mentally disabled children under two years of age; the outcome of a review of the provisions in this regard; and his views on whether the scheme is causing hardship to a substantial number of families with disabled young children. [18309/99]
102 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to reform the domiciliary care allowance to extend it to developmentally disabled children under two years of age; the outcome of a review of the provisions in this regard; and his views on whether the scheme is causing hardship to a substantial number of families with disabled young children. [18404/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 102 together.
Domiciliary care allowance 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. At present the scheme does not cover children under the age of two years since all children in that age group are regarded as requiring constant care and attention. I have examined the issue of extending the scheme to include children under two years of age with severe disabilities. As I have indicated on previous occasions, I am sympathetic to the proposal. I have instructed my officials to examine the possibility of granting such an extension sooner rather than later. As I have also indicated in Adjournment debates and previous replies, there is the question of priority expenditures. It is in this context that officials of my Department are discussing the possibility of funding being sourced in the Estimates for next year.
Does the Minister acknowledge that a child or baby under two years of age who is disabled requires a great deal more care and attention than a baby who does not suffer a disability? The parents of babies with major disabilities require this allowance and it is both illogical and inhumane that it is not provided to them. They are frequently coping with very young children who suffer seizures and who require particular assistance in using toilet facilities and other activities, such as eating. There is no logic in his departmental view that all children under two require similar care. In that context, does the Minister acknowledge that he has had this issue under review for a long time? Will he tell the House that provision will be made in the next budget to extend this allowance to make it available to parents of disabled children under two years of age? Does he acknowledge there is a need to extend it?
I would rather the Deputy acknowledged my reply which stated that I am sympathetic to the proposal. I have indicated that these are estimates issues which are not yet completed. I am in negotiations to obtain more funding for my Department. I have instigated the review. I have done something about it and intend to follow it through.
Does the Minister agree that parents in this situation require more than his sympathy?
They certainly do not require the Deputy's political hypocrisy.
Does the Minister acknowledge that he said last year that he was sympathetic and nothing happened in the budget? He would have the full support of this side of the House for an extension of this allowance. Will he ensure that his colleague, the Minister for Finance, gives him the support he requires to extend it?
Having the Deputy's support would not sway me in terms of my intention to do something about it.
It looks as if the Minister needs it. All he has done so far is talk it through.
