Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)

I ask for an update on the position of domiciliary care allowance and the way it is to be administered. This is a monthly allowance which is paid to the parents or guardians of children under the age of 16 who have severe disabilities which require continuous care and attention.

I recently met three women to learn about the plight of their children. They also outlined to me the changes they would like to see in the way the domiciliary care allowance is administered and allocated. These women represent families in my constituency and across the country who are caring for their children as best they can in the face of cutbacks in almost every area.

Further consideration needs to be given to the way in which this allowance is administered, including the means by which children are assessed and the process through which decisions can be appealed. I welcome that the Minister for Social Protection increased the time allowed for preparation of appeals from 21 to 60 days earlier this year. I fear, however, that we may not be treating children who receive domiciliary care allowance in this country the same as children in other countries which operate similar allowance schemes. Reviews should be conducted by those who are most knowledgeable about the area, have experience of working with these children and are able to make the appropriate decisions in order to make life easier for those concerned. Any change to the system should be based the input of people on the ground, namely, the parents and guardians of these children, because they deal with the problems arising on a daily basis.

Matters that we may consider trivial or meaningless can amount to major events for those who are forced to cope in these circumstances. Domiciliary care allowance may not solve all these families' problems but at least it eases the burden of everyday life and allows them room to breathe. It must be noted however, that the number of children accessing the scheme has increased by more than 3,000 over a three year period. It is expected that expenditure this year would be in the region of €146 million. Any review of the scheme would be welcome for these reasons.

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