Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 215: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of non-resident children who are EU nationals for whom the domiciliary care allowance is payable to parents here; the country of residence of each of those children; the amount payable for those children in 2005; and the expected amount in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3936/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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Domiciliary care allowance is a monthly allowance paid by the Health Service Executive. It may be paid in respect of eligible children aged 16 or under who have a severe disability requiring continual or continuous care and attention that is substantially in excess of that normally required by a child of the same age. The current rate of the allowance is €250.90 per month. The allowance was traditionally administered in respect of resident children only. Since May 2005, following a change to Regulation (EC) 1408/71 on foot of a judgment of the European Court of Justice, the allowance has been classed as a family benefit under the provisions of the regulation. As a consequence, it is payable in respect of non-resident children of EU nationals employed in Ireland whose children meet the qualifying criteria. The HSE, which has been notified of the changed position, is implementing procedures to comply with the change to the regulation. It is not possible to calculate how many of the children of non-Irish EU nationals working in Ireland may potentially be eligible to receive this payment. Similarly, it is not possible to determine the nationality of such people. The HSE is not in a position to state how many of the approximately 16,000 people in receipt of the allowance are non-Irish EU citizens.