Vol. 409 No. 8
86 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself that the domiciliary allowance for the parents of handicapped children currently being paid at the rate of £83 per month is adequate; his views on whether it should be abolished and replaced with an allowance like that of a single parent of £66.50 per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The domiciliary care allowance for the parents of handicapped children is totally different to the single parent allowance which is administered by the Department of Social Welfare and could be the total income of a single parent.
The domiciliary care allowance will be increased to £85 per month from 21 July 1991. Children in receipt of this allowance would normally also qualify for a range of benefits including free drugs, medicines and appliances necessary for their condition. In addition their parents may be entitled to a tax-free allowance of £600 per annum.
