Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 October 2021
617. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has plans to allow for the option of domiciliary care allowance to be extended to children under 18 years of age in line with the rules for child benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50659/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDomiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) ceases to be payable when a child reaches age 16 years. Disability Allowance (DA) can then be paid from age 16 if the qualifying conditions for that scheme are met.
Following a commitment made in the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for people with disabilities 2015 -2024, the “Make Work Pay for People with Disabilities” (MWP) report was published in April 2017. The report undertook to better identify how people with disabilities could be supported to achieve their employment ambitions. A number of MWP report recommendations focussed on the need to support young adults through education, training and social inclusion according to their capacity, and to change the qualifying age for disability allowance from 16 to 18 years of age while leaving Domiciliary Care allowance in payment where applicable to 18 years of age.
An extensive national consultation process was organised to engage people with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, and sectoral representatives to seek their views on the specific recommendations in the report and this has now concluded.
It is imperative when deciding on any changes to the age limits for the relevant schemes that such changes have a positive effect on those in receipt of the payments and that we avoid any unintended negative consequences. Consideration of the most appropriate measures to be taken are continuing.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
