I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 28 together.
I indicated in previous replies to questions and to Adjournment debates about domiciliary care allowance, that following receipt of a number of inquiries about the qualifying age for this allowance I arranged for the matter to be examined. I have provided full information on the findings of this examination in such replies. The outcome of the examination concluded that best international practice recognises the additional care required for children with a disability under two years of age. Very often it is not simply a matter of care but the kind and intensity of the care required. While the international experience varies in the type of and eligibility for schemes, the underlying trend is to offer some support to children under two years of age.
I remind the Deputies that the thrust of the DCA has been clearly stated i.e.