Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 316: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline the structure and procedures for the planned review of the domiciliary care allowance and to ensure that the parents of children with disabilities are included in this review. [30997/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The domiciliary care allowance scheme has been administered by the Department of Social Protection since April 2009 and I have recently announced that a review of the operation of the scheme is to be carried out. The terms of reference will be finalised shortly and the working group is due to have its first meeting in July and report by year end. The working group will include representatives from a number of relevant Departments and will also include representatives from organisations representing parents/guardians of children who are in receipt of the allowance.

The review will examine the policy objectives and legal provisions underpinning the Scheme. In addition, it will review the Scheme's current administrative, medical assessment and appeals processes, including an examination of the duration of review periods for the Scheme. As part of its work, the Group will have the Medical Guidelines and the Report of the Expert Medical Group, which underpin the operation of the Scheme, reviewed by a suitably qualified medical expert. A consultation process with parents and representative groups will also be undertaken to ensure that they have an opportunity to make their concerns known in relation to the administration of the Scheme.