Vol. 494 No. 6
24 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to amend the domiciliary care allowance in order to render it payable in respect of severely disabled children under the age of two years who require a level of care and attention considerably in excess of that normally required by a child of the same age; and his views on whether the current supports available to parents experiencing these difficulties are inadequate. [18855/98]
Domiciliary care allowance, DCA, is paid by health boards in respect of children between the ages of two and 16 years who are severely physically or mentally disabled and who need a level of care and attention which is substantially greater than that normally required by a child of the same age. The scheme was introduced by way of Circular No. 24/73 in 1973 and operates under section 61 of the 1970 Health Act. At present the DCA is not payable in respect of children under two years of age as children of that age usually require constant care and attention in any event.
However, I have received numerous representations in support of a proposal to extend the DCA to cover children under the age of two. The proposal is under detailed consideration and review by my Department and I expect this review to be completed this month.
The Deputy will also be aware of the review of the carer's allowance report recently published by the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs which makes reference to the DCA scheme.
