Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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348. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons refused domiciliary care allowance during 2012, 2013 and 2014; if she will be reviewing policies regarding this allowance in view of the recent High Court judgment; if her Department will be contacting persons who were unsuccessful in their application and notifying them of the ability to re-apply; the number they will be contacting; the timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17676/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The number of DCA applications refused from 2010 to date is as follows:

Domiciliary Care Allowance applications – 2010 to date

It should be noted that the figures in relation to refusals (* in table above) does not reflect cases were an applicant may have re-applied at a later date and been successful.

The High Court ruling of the 1^stApril, to which the Deputy refers, involved a challenge by a mother in relation to the process involved in determining eligibility on her claim for DCA. While the Judge found in her favour and ordered that the decision in this individual claim be returned to the Department for reconsideration, he has also put a stay on the order to the 28^thApril, thus providing time to the Department to consider the detailed judgement, along with any implications it may have for decision making. Therefore, I am not in a position to comment further at this time on what actions may be required as a result of this judgement.