The number of DCA applications refused from 2010 to date is as follows:
Domiciliary Care Allowance applications – 2010 to date
|
-
|
Applications fully processed in year
|
Applications allowed incl. on review
|
Allowed on appeal
|
Disallowed
|
Total and as % of all processed claims
|
|
2012
|
4,680
|
2,204
|
903
|
1,573
|
3,107 (66%)
|
|
2013
|
4,404
|
2,444
|
808
|
1,152
|
3,252 (73%)
|
|
2014 to end March)
|
1,032
|
636
|
278
|
118
|
914 (88%)
|
It should be noted that the figures in relation to refusals (* in table above) does not reflect cases were an applicant may have re-applied at a later date and been successful.
The High Court ruling of the 1st April, to which the Deputy refers, involved a challenge by a mother in relation to the process involved in determining eligibility on her claim for DCA. While the Judge found in her favour and ordered that the decision in this individual claim be returned to the Department for reconsideration, he has also put a stay on the order to the 28th April, thus providing time to the Department to consider the detailed judgement, along with any implications it may have for decision making. Therefore, I am not in a position to comment further at this time on what actions may be required as a result of this judgement.
