Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a monthly allowance payable to a parent / foster parent / guardian in respect of a child aged under 16 who has a severe disability that requires continual or continuous care and attention that is substantially over and above the level of care and attention normally required by a child of the same age and where the level of that disability is such that the child is likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 consecutive months. This level of care and attention must be required to allow the child deal with the activities of daily living.

However, eligibility for DCA is not based entirely on the child's disability or diagnosis, but primarily on the impact of the disability, in terms of the associated level of care and attention required by the relevant child compared to a child of the same age without their disability. The decision process that applies in the consideration of whether a child meets the conditions for receipt of DCA includes the examination of all relevant factors identified as impacting on the child's care needs. The deciding officer has regard to the professional opinion of a departmental Medical Assessor in the decision process.

In addition to the above medical criteria, the following conditions must be satisfied to qualify for the allowance:

• The child must live at home with the applicant / carer for 5 or more days per week. However, where the child is in residential care but is at home for 2 or more days per week, half-rate DCA may be paid in such cases. Children who are receiving care on a full-time basis in residential homes or other institutions are not eligible for DCA.
• As part of Budget 2023 measures, DCA is also available for up to 26 weeks (6 months) in respect of a newborn child who remains in hospital after birth or is transferred to another hospital for the purpose of receiving medical or other treatment.
• The person who is claiming the allowance must provide for the care of the child.
• The applicant and the child must be ordinarily resident in the state (Republic of Ireland) and satisfy my Department's habitual residency condition.

The allowance is not means-tested and does not require PRSI contributions.

Applicants are advised to provide as much detail as possible at application stage, including any additional information or documentary evidence that is relevant, medical or otherwise, to ensure that all information is available for consideration in the decision and assessment process.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.