Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2024
239. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the degree to which her Department has in place an appropriate method for determination of eligibility for domiciliary care allowance, given the number of children who are now deemed eligible on the basis of special needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18715/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDomiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a monthly allowance payable in respect of a child aged under 16 who has a severe disability requiring continual or continuous care and attention substantially in excess of the care and attention normally required by a child of the same age and where the level of the child's disability is such that the child is likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 consecutive months. This level of care and attention must be required to allow the child deal with the activities of daily living, in areas such as mobility, personal care, feeding/diet, communication, speech/language, sleeping, behaviour, safety, sensory issues, including any other additional needs.
However, eligibility for DCA is not based entirely on the child's disability/diagnosis but primarily on the impact of the disability/diagnosis in terms of the level of associated care and attention required by the child compared to a child of a similar age who does not have such a disability/diagnosis. The decision and assessment process that applies in the consideration of whether a child satisfies the criteria for DCA includes the examination of all relevant factors identified as impacting on the child's additional care needs.
It should be noted that all applications are decided by a Deciding Officer, on an individual case by case basis, in respect of the relevant child, based on the personal details provided in the completed application form (DomCare1), including the signed details from the child's GP/other medical professional on this form, along with any additional information and/or documentary evidence such as medical professional report(s) or otherwise, if provided by the applicant in the application process.
In relation to the DCA medical assessment process, all applications are referred to a departmental Medical Assessor (MA) for their professional opinion. Based on the information provided in the application process, including any supporting (medical) evidence if provided, the MA considers the severity of the child's disability/diagnosis, the expected duration and the associated care needs and provides their professional opinion in relation to the child's eligibility for DCA. In making a decision on the application, the Deciding Officer has regard to the MA opinion in the decision process.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
