Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1065. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the financial supports available for non-medical costs for families of sick children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54403/18]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Domiciliary care allowance is payable in respect of children with a severe disability who require care and attention substantially in excess of that required by children of a similar age without their disability, providing this additional care is likely to last for at least 12 months.

This allowance and the related annual carers support grant are not provided for a specific purpose and can be used as required by the recipient.

Additional costs resulting from a child's illness may be covered under the exceptional needs payment scheme operated by the Department. Payment is discretionary and based on the individual circumstances of each application.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.