Gay Mitchell
Question:163 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will allow parents of qualifying children under two years of age (details supplied) in County Kildare apply for the domiciliary care allowance. [23096/99]
Written Answers. - Services for People with Disabilities.
I have indicated in previous replies to questions and to Adjournment debates about domiciliary care allowance, that following receipt of a number of inquiries about the qualifying age for this allowance, I arranged for the matter to be examined. I have provided full information on the findings of this examination in such replies. The outcome of the examination concluded that best international practice recognises the additional care required for children with a disability under two years of age. Very often it is not simply a matter of care but the kind and intensity of the care required. While the international experience varies in the type of, and eligibility for schemes, the underlying trend is to offer some support to children under two years.
I support these conclusions. It is in this context that officials from my Department are discussing the possibility of funding being sourced for the extension of DCA in the estimates for year 2000.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:164 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to a publication, An Analysis of the Unmet Needs of Children and Young Adults with Physical Disabilities, prepared for the Kildare branch of Cerebral Palsy Ireland in June 1999, which set out the needs in respect of support, respite, training, employment and educational needs; if he will respond favourably to the recommendations contained in the report; the deadline for meeting these needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23099/99]
The provision of services to people with physical and sensory disabilities in the Kildare area is a matter for the Eastern Health Board. I am aware of the publication referred to by the Deputy, which is under discussion between Cerebral Palsy Ireland and the board in the context of service developments in the area. I understand that, as the first phase of a response to the document, the board has provided funding for a full-time physiotherapist and made health centres in Athy and Celbridge available for an outreach service by CPI.