Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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567. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if parents of children with diabetes are considered for domiciliary care allowance upon application; the criteria for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29768/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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Domiciliary care allowance (DCA) is a payment made 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 without that 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 child’s particular disability, but on the additional care and attention required as a result of that disability. Each application is assessed on its merit, taking account of all the evidence submitted by the parent/guardian, including medical evidence and details on the additional care required by the child.

I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.