Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection when she expects the review group she established to examine the domiciliary care allowance to conclude its work; if she will provide a report; if she intends to then publish this report; the number of times the group has met; the dates on which the group has met; the full membership of the review group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1340/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The review of the domiciliary care allowance (DCA) scheme, announced in May 2012, has been concluded and I have recently received the report of the group. It is my intention to publish the report when I have an opportunity to consider its findings and recommendations. The group undertaking the review was chaired by Ms. Sylda Langford and comprised of three representatives of the Department of Social Protection, a representative from the Department of Health, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Department of Children and Youth Affairs, the Social Welfare Appeals Office, the National Disability Authority, four parent/advocacy group representatives, including three from a working group established by Downs Syndrome Ireland, Inclusion Ireland, Irish Autism Action, Special Needs Parents Association, the Carers Association, Midlands Regional Forum of People with Disabilities and the fourth representing the DCA warriors group. In addition a researcher with expertise in the area was part of the group. The group met on seven occasions between July and December 2012.