Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 335: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons currently on the disability allowance; the number who have been disallowed in the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12242/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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A total of 73,677 persons are in receipt of disability allowance. Between January 2001 and December 2004, 1,796 persons were disallowed disability allowance, of which 33 were on medical grounds and 1,763 were in respect of means. This includes cases where appeals or reapplications may be in progress. Continuing entitlement to disability allowance payment is subject to the person satisfying both the means test and the medical eligibility criteria that apply. My Department's schemes have a review mechanism to ensure eligibility conditions continue to be satisfied. This is achieved through a process of selective and periodic review of appropriate cases. Persons with severe disability are not subject to medical review for the period they are on disability allowance.

In review cases that result in disallowance, the persons concerned are informed of the decision and the reasons for it. They are also advised of their right of appeal to the social welfare appeals office. Under social welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in such decisions.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 336: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will consider substantially increasing child benefit as a means of addressing the child care issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12243/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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My Department administers a number of child income support measures, including child benefit which delivers a standard rate of payment in respect of all children in a family regardless of income levels or employment status. Child benefit supports all children but delivers proportionately more assistance to those on low incomes and with larger families. It is not intended primarily to meet child care costs. However, the very substantial increases in benefit in recent years can make a significant contribution to meeting those costs.

From this month, when budget 2005 rate increases have taken effect, monthly rates will be €141.60 in respect of each of the first two children and €177.30 in respect of the third and subsequent children. Monthly rates of child benefit have increased by €103.51 at the lower rate and €127.78 at the higher rate since 1997, increases of 272% and 258% respectively. This level of increase is unprecedented and is in line with the Government's objective of improving income for children generally.

The question of specific support for the costs of child care is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, whose Department administers the equal opportunities child care programme under the national development plan.