Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 February 2023
295. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will re-examine the criteria for disability allowance for those coming off the domiciliary care allowance at the age of 16 years who are still in full-time education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7878/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDomiciliary Care Allowance is a monthly payment for a child aged up to 16, who requires ongoing care and attention, substantially over and above the care and attention usually required by a child of the same age. Domiciliary Care Allowance ceases to be payable when a child reaches 16 years of age. As of December 2022, there were over 50,100 recipients of Domiciliary Care Allowance.
An application for Disability Allowance may be made at 16 years of age. Disability Allowance is a means tested payment for people who are aged between 16 and 66 with a specified disability that may be expected to continue for at least a year. As of December 2022, there were over 157,800 recipients of Disability Allowance.
The Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020 – 2025 includes a commitment to develop and consult on a ‘Strawman’ proposal for the restructuring of long-term disability payments to simplify the system and take account of the concerns expressed in the Make Work Pay report. The Cost of Disability report is feeding into the preparation of the ‘Strawman’ reform proposals.
Work on the ‘Strawman’ is at an advanced stage. I intend to carry out a wider consultation process with all stakeholders and advocacy groups following publication.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
