Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1497. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will allow children that are in hospital long term and their parents that are staying with them to receive a payment (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35285/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is payable in respect of children who have a severe disability and have a resultant need for care and attention substantially in excess of other children their age. The payment is predicated on the child being resident at home.

The legislative basis for the scheme is provided for in Chapter 8A of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005 (as inserted by section 15 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act, 2008). Section 186E of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005, as amended, provides that Domiciliary Care Allowance is not payable for any period during which a child is resident in a hospital.

A reduced rate of DCA (50%) is payable for children who are resident at home at weekends only, but in a care setting during the week. DCA can also be paid for up to 13 weeks in a 12 month period, if a child is admitted to hospital.

The restriction on the payment of this allowance in respect of children who are being cared for on a full-time basis in a hospital setting is limited to the period during which they are resident in a hospital and having their care needs provided for and funded by public funds. Once they return home, DCA can be paid provided the other qualifying conditions are met at that time.

Carers allowance can only be paid in respect of a child under 16 years of age if DCA is already in payment.

I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.