Vol. 536 No. 4
147 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is possible to backdate payments of domiciliary care allowance for handicapped children; if it has happened previously; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14415/01]
The domiciliary care allowance was introduced by way of circular 24/73 and is administered by the health boards on my behalf. DCA is paid in respect of children under 16 years who are severely physically or mentally disabled and who require constant care and supervision at home substantially greater than that which would normally be required by a child of the same age. The current rate of payment is £129.40 per month, effective from 1 April 2001.
The Deputy will be aware that the following changes to the DCA scheme were announced in the budget on 6 December 2000 and came into effect from 1 April 2001: the introduction of a pro rata payment in respect of periods spent at home, that is weekends and holidays, by eligible children who normally reside in special schools or institutions; and the abolition of the DCA requirement that the disability must have been present for six months prior to the date of application. From 1 April 2001 children may become eligible from birth. The allowance is now payable with effect from the date of application.
Occasionally payments may be backdated prior to the date of application if it is clear that the applicant was not aware of his/her entitlement. In these cases payment of the allowance may be back-dated to the date that the child would have become eligible if the applicant had been aware of his or her entitlement.
148 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when an appeal to restore a domiciliary care allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be finalised. [14416/01]
The assessment of entitlement to and payment of the domiciliary care allowance in an individual case is a matter for the relevant health board. Accordingly, the Deputy's question has been referred to the chief executive officer of the Western Health Board with a request that she examine the query and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
