Vol. 456 No. 3
59 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Health the amount of the mobility allowance, if any, payable by his Department to school children who are confined to a wheelchair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13697/95]
Limerick East): The mobility allowance was introduced to finance occasional trips from home for severely disabled people who are unable to walk or use public transport. This allowance is subject to a medical and means test and is payable to people between the ages of 16 and 66 years who are living at home or are being maintained by a health board in any long-term institution. The current maximum rate of payment is £38 per month.
In the case of disabled children between the ages of two and 16 years a domiciliary care allowance may be payable if the child is living at home and needs care and attention considerably greater that that normally required by a child of the same age. The current rate of payment is £97.70 per month. Assessment of eligibility for an allowance in any individual case is a matter for the relevant health board.
