Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

I note what the Minister has stated. The value-for-money review of the disability allowance scheme is quite a detailed report which was produced by the Department only in November 2010. The recommendations have far-reaching consequences, and while some of the proposals are positive, others are potentially negative, including the one highlighted in the question, which would affect many families with a member who is eligible for disability allowance at the age of 16. I do not know whether the Minister is aware of this but, even allowing for the extension of domiciliary care allowance to the age of 18, which would make up some of the shortfall, the change would result in a cut in income of up to €440 per month for some households. This is a substantial amount for any family; in fact, it would halve the social protection payment for the claimants involved. Domiciliary care allowance is €309 per month, compared to the maximum personal rate of disability allowance, which is €188 per week.

Does the Minister share my concerns? I am not asking for a review of a review, but I ask her to consider, when implementing the review, an increase in the domiciliary care allowance to eliminate the shortfall, which in certain circumstances could be €440 per month.

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