asked the Minister for Health the cost of raising from 16 to 18 years of age limit for the domiciliary care allowance, payable by the health boards, in respect of handicapped children being at home; the cost of raising to 18 years the qualifying age for disabled person's maintenance allowance.
Written Answers. - Health Board Allowances.
67.
The domicilary care allowance (£70 per month) is payable in respect of handicapped children between the ages of two and 16 who need constant care and attention substantially greater than that required by a child of the same age. In the case of children who remain in full time education, health boards may continue to pay the allowance up to the age of 18.
The disabled person's maintenance allowance (£41.55 per week — £180 per month) is payable to handicapped persons over the age of 16 years of age, subject to a medical and means test. Any change in the age limit for the disabled person's maintenance allowance would require an amendment to Health Act, 1970.
While, therefore, there would be an increased cost in raising the age limit to 18 for the domiciliary care allowance, it is likely that there would be a correspondingly greater saving by raising the age limit for the disabled person's maintenance allowance to 18. It is not possible, however, without a detailed analysis of the situation, to provide an estimate of the saving involved.