Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

117. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection why a person (details supplied) in County Kerry was refused a domiciliary care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40083/15]

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

Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is paid in respect of children who have a severe disability requiring constant care and attention substantially in excess of that needed by a child of the same age without the disability. The need for the additional care and attention must be likely to last for at least 12 months. Eligibility for DCA is not based on the type of disability, but on the resulting care needs. Each application for DCA is assessed on its individual merits and on the basis of the medical evidence and detail on the child’s care needs, as provided with the application.

The application from the person concerned was disallowed as it was considered that the child did not meet the eligibility criteria for the allowance. A letter issued on 20 October 2015 advising of this decision. The Social Welfare Appeals Office has confirmed that an appeal was registered in this case on the 9 November. The person concerned will be informed of developments in due course.