Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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Question 359: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will ensure full participation of parents and members of the carer's association in the promised review of policies and procedures regarding the domiciliary care allowance. [28232/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The domiciliary care allowance (DCA) scheme has been administered by the Department of Social Protection since April 2009. I recently announced that a policy review of the operation of the scheme will be carried out over the coming months. This review will look, amongst other things, at the current application and assessment process with a view to identifying any potential improvements to the delivery of service that can be implemented, while retaining an efficient and effective operational model. The terms of reference for the review and the appointment of a chairperson are being finalised at present and I will be making announcements in that regard shortly. In terms of consultation, officials from the Department have met parents and representatives of advocacy groups on a number of occasions in recent months and I would envisage that further consultations will be an important part of the forthcoming review process.