David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

Responsibility for the domiciliary care allowance was transferred from the HSE to the Department of Social and Family Affairs on 1 April 2009. Since the transfer took place, many children who previously would have received the allowance - without question - are being refused it. This is particularly the case with regard to children suffering from autism and mental disabilities. Deputy Creed and I are extremely concerned about that fact and that is why we have raised this matter.

In reply to a parliamentary question I tabled yesterday, I was informed that from 1 April to 22 May some 445 applications were received within the Department. Some 249 have been processed and of these 149 were refused. The refusal rate is, therefore, almost 60%, which is extremely high. From the information we have received, this represents a major change.

When it was administered by the HSE, there were no agreed medical guidelines for the scheme. These guidelines were only introduced recently and the application form places an emphasis on physical rather than mental or intellectual disabilities. If one does not tick the box which indicates that a person has a physical disability, one will probably not be awarded the allowance. Is the change that has occurred evident to everyone? I want to ensure that it is brought to the Minister's attention and that she and her Department will reconsider the position. I am sure she would agree with me that a child with autism who might, physically and in every other way, be fine may need full-time care because he or she may not realise what he or she is doing at all times and could be a huge danger to himself or herself.

As far as I am aware, an announcement was not made with regard to the change to which I refer or the new medical criteria which apply. In addition, a debate has not taken place in respect of these developments. I would be disappointed to think that the new criteria are being used as some form of money-saving measure or as another cutback.

This is an extremely important matter. It relates to children who are extremely vulnerable and their parents, who are already under a great deal of pressure. If the criteria have been changed in order to restrict the payment of the allowance, I would like the Minister to make a statement to that effect so that people might be informed as to the position. If they have not been changed, then we must examine how the allowance is being administered. The information available to us indicates that a change has taken place and that the allowance is more difficult to obtain. In addition, it is no longer being paid in respect of children who previously received it. I request that consideration again be given to this important issue.

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