Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Domiciliary care allowance (DCA) is payable in respect of children under the age of 16 who have a severe disability that requires care and attention substantially in excess of another child of the same age. The care and attention received must be given by another person, effectively full-time so that the child can deal with the normal activities of daily life. The child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months.

Eligibility for DCA is not decided on the medical or psychological condition, but on the resulting disability that necessitates the degree of extra care and attention required. Each application is assessed on an individual basis taking account of all the evidence submitted by the parent/guardian, including medical evidence and details on the additional care required by the child. Children with ADHD or any other condition, do not automatically qualify for a payment under the scheme, but are assessed on an individual basis taking account of the evidence submitted.