Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 286: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for domiciliary care allowance scheme received in 2009 and 2010 to date; the numbers where the allowance was granted; the number of cases where it was refused; the number of cases still to be dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30475/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Since the 1st April 2009 this Department has been accepting new claims for Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA). This follows the transfer of the scheme from the Health Service Executive on foot of a Government decision to reallocate certain functions between Departments and Agencies as part of the health service reform programme. In the period 1st April 2009 to 31st December 2009 a total of 3,389 DCA applications were received. 2,823 claims were fully processed by the Department in 2009, with 1,031 claims awarded and 1,792 claims deemed not to be eligible for DCA. 836 appeals were registered in 2009 with 60 finalised before 31st December 2009. Of these cases, 47 were revised by the Deciding Officer based on additional information received, 2 withdrawn, 5 disallowed by the appeals officer and 6 allowed on appeal. In the period 1st January 2010 to 31st May 2010 a total of 2,208 applications were received in the Department. 1,133 claims have been awarded and 1,181 have been deemed not to be eligible for DCA. Currently there are 460 DCA applications pending decision in the Department. A further 611 appeals were registered in the period to 31st May 2010. The Deciding Officer revised the decision in 315 cases under appeal, based on additional information supplied and 3 appeals were withdrawn. Appeals Officers have disallowed 151, partially allowed 1 and allowed 69 appeals in 2010. Currently there are 848 DCA appeals pending in the Department.

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 287: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he is satisfied with the domiciliary care allowance scheme application system which places a very heavy burden on the parent or guardian, who are by definition in a difficult situation, as it involves a submission of a detailed statement by them; a detailed statement by the child's general practitioner and any other relevant evidence from qualified experts who have examined the child compared with a less onerous process for the parent which would involve an individual examination by the Department's medical assessors of the child to determine their eligibility for domiciliary care allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30480/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The transfer of the Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) scheme from the Health Service Executive to the Department arises from a Government decision to reallocate certain functions between Departments and Agencies as part of the health service reform programme. Domiciliary Care Allowance is now a statutory scheme provided for in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2008. The Department has been accepting new claims since 1st April 2009 and has responsibility for all DCA cases from September 2009. In order to qualify for Domiciliary Care Allowance a child must have a disability so severe that it requires the child needing care and attention and/or supervision substantially in excess of another child of the same age. This care and attention must be given by another person, almost all of the time, so that the child can deal with the activities of daily living. The child must be likely to require this care and attention for at least 12 months.

An Expert Medical Group, established in advance of the transfer of DCA to the Department, considered that the most appropriate way for the Department to conduct assessments for medical eligibility was by desk assessment by its medical assessors rather than by way of individual examinations, as has been the case in the Health Service Executive. The Group considered that the child's general practitioner and the medical personnel involved in the case are best placed to provide comprehensive reports which are then considered by the Medical Assessor. Where a person is not satisfied with the decision he/she may seek to have the decision reviewed or may appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office. I am satisfied with the application system that is in place as it aims to ensure that the scheme is administered in a fair and consistent manner across the country.

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 288: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position on an application for jobseeker's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30595/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The person concerned submitted an application for Jobseeker's Allowance on 21 May 2010. This payment is subject to a means test and the application has been forwarded to a Social Welfare Investigator who will visit the person concerned this week. On completion of this investigation the case will be returned to a deciding officer for immediate decision.

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 289: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an update on an application for carer's allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath in respect of a person (details further supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30596/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The person concerned applied for carer's allowance on 1 June 2010. On 5 July 2010, following completion of a medical assessment, the case was referred to an investigative officer of this department for means assessment and confirmation that all the conditions necessary for receipt of the allowance are satisfied. On completion of the necessary investigations, a decision will be made and she will be notified directly of the outcome.