Social Welfare Benefits

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2022

Tuesday, 5 July 2022

Ceisteanna (403)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

403. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for domiciliary care allowance with dyspraxia as a primary diagnosis that were refused in 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; the number of those applications that were appealed for each of those years; the number that were successful on review for those years; the number that were successful on appeal for those years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35805/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

Eligibility for Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is determined primarily by reference to the degree of additional care and attention required by a child rather than the child's disability.  DCA applications are decided by a deciding officer on an individual case by case basis, while also considering the opinion of a Departmental medical assessor.

While statistics on overall awards and refusals are available , information on awards or refusals in relation to particular medical conditions is not routinely collated.  It should also be noted that children can have multiple diagnoses.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.