Vol. 511 No. 6
305 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people in receipt of domiciliary care allowance in each of the past five years; the cost of the allowance; the number of applications refused; the general basis for refusal; and the date from which the allow ance will be paid in respect of children under two years. [25462/99]
The domiciliary care allowance –DCA– scheme is administered by health boards on my behalf. DCA is paid in respect of children between the ages of two and 16 years who are severely physically or mentally disabled and who require constant care and supervision substantially greater than that which would normally be required by a child of the same age. From 1 January 2000, the scheme will apply to eligible children under two years of age.
As the DCA scheme is administered by the health boards, I have requested each chief executive officer to liaise directly with the Deputy and provide the details of the information sought by him.
