Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 October 2022
307. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of children who are deemed to have a disability putting them in the category of special needs; the number of such children who have been awarded domiciliary care allowance; the number refused in each of the past twelve months to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51062/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEligibility 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 or refusals are available, information on awards or refusals in relation to particular medical disabilities, conditions or special needs category is not collated. It should also be noted that some children can have multiple diagnoses.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
