Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

This allowance is paid at the rate of €309.50 per month. The rate has not been reduced by the Government and it is not intended to reduce it. The State pays domiciliary care allowance to parents and guardians to recognise the role they play in bringing up their children. It was introduced in the 1970s in recognition of the extra care and attention many parents provided for children with a severe disability who were cared for in their own homes. Responsibility remained with the health boards and the HSE until April 2009 when it was transferred to the then Department of Social and Family Affairs and the scheme was put on a statutory footing. Domiciliary care allowance is a monthly payment to the parent or guardian of a child who requires care, attention or supervision substantially in excess of that required for other children. The allowance has not been reduced by the Government. Last May the Minister did say she proposed to carry out a policy review. The proposed terms of reference have been set out by the Minister who will bring a memo to the Cabinet shortly. It is her intention, once the membership of the group is finalised, to get the review under way as soon as possible. The first meeting will take place around the middle of July and monthly meetings will be held thereafter until the end of the year. This is a serious and sensitive matter. As such, the Minister has been careful in her comments about the requirements of the review and how it is to be carried out. It is also important to say there was no reduction in the domiciliary care allowance of €309.50 payable in respect of each child.

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