Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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239. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the degree to which her Department has in place an appropriate method for determination of eligibility for domiciliary care allowance, given the number of children who are now deemed eligible on the basis of special needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18715/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a monthly allowance payable in respect of a child aged under 16 who has a severe disability requiring continual or continuous care and attention substantially in excess of the care and attention normally required by a child of the same age and where the level of the child's 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, in areas such as mobility, personal care, feeding/diet, communication, speech/language, sleeping, behaviour, safety, sensory issues, including any other additional needs.

However, eligibility for DCA is not based entirely on the child's disability/diagnosis but primarily on the impact of the disability/diagnosis in terms of the level of associated care and attention required by the child compared to a child of a similar age who does not have such a disability/diagnosis. The decision and assessment process that applies in the consideration of whether a child satisfies the criteria for DCA includes the examination of all relevant factors identified as impacting on the child's additional care needs.

It should be noted that all applications are decided by a Deciding Officer, on an individual case by case basis, in respect of the relevant child, based on the personal details provided in the completed application form (DomCare1), including the signed details from the child's GP/other medical professional on this form, along with any additional information and/or documentary evidence such as medical professional report(s) or otherwise, if provided by the applicant in the application process.

In relation to the DCA medical assessment process, all applications are referred to a departmental Medical Assessor (MA) for their professional opinion. Based on the information provided in the application process, including any supporting (medical) evidence if provided, the MA considers the severity of the child's disability/diagnosis, the expected duration and the associated care needs and provides their professional opinion in relation to the child's eligibility for DCA. In making a decision on the application, the Deciding Officer has regard to the MA opinion in the decision process.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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240. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the degree to which she and her office continue to ensure the making of a basic payment to applicants of social welfare payments while the primary application is being processed in order to alleviate hardship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18716/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system in that it provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents. Supports provided under the scheme can consist of a basic weekly payment, a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, as well as Additional Needs Payments.

The Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance provides immediate assistance for those in need, who are awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare payment or do not qualify for payment under other State schemes. This assistance is subject to the person having the right to reside and satisfying the Habitual Residence Condition.

Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance is paid at rates up to €230 per week with increases for adult and child dependents. Currently there are 13,154 recipients of a Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance payment.

I wish to assure the Deputy that the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme is kept under review to ensure that it continues to support those most in need of assistance. Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to Supplementary Welfare Allowance is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.