Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 129: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm that parents of children diagnosed with autism, aspergers and other similar conditions are entitled to a domiciliary allowance payment; the reason there is so much inconsistency in respect of this payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31529/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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In order to qualify for domiciliary care allowance (DCA), a child must have a disability so severe that it requires the child needing care and attention substantially in excess of another child of the same age without the disability and must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months. Qualification for the scheme is not based on the particular disability of the child but on the level of additional care required because of the disability. An application for DCA in respect of a child with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome and all similar conditions is processed in exactly the same manner as an application for a child with any other disability.