I propose to take Questions Nos. 372 and 373 together.
Domiciliary care allowance, DCA, is administered by the health boards on behalf of my Department. DCA is paid in respect of eligible children from the date of application up to the age of 16 years whose disability is so severe that they require constant care and attention which is considerably in excess of that normally required by a child of the same age. It is a matter for the senior area medical officer in the relevant health board to decide whether a child qualifies for DCA. In reaching such a decision, the senior area medical officer may consider a report from any doctor or any hospital which has treated the child.
A national health board working group is currently examining all the disability related allowances and grants which come under the aegis of my Department, including domiciliary care allowance. When the group has finalised its report, its recommendations will be considered in consultation with the Department of Finance and in the context of the many competing demands for resources within the health sector.