Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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359. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will consider expanding the eligibility criteria for domiciliary care allowance to include families with children who have severe food allergies, to help meet the financial costs associated with their condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13222/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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My department provides the Domiciliary Care Allowance which is a monthly non-means tested payment to a parent or guardian for a child aged up to 16 who has a severe disability and requires care and attention substantially over and above that required by other children their age.

From January 2025, the rate of Domiciliary Care Allowance increased from €340 to €360 per month. As of the end of February 2025, there are 58,060 families in receipt of Domiciliary Care Allowance in respect of 65,615 children. Expenditure in 2025 is estimated at over €301 million.

The eligibility for Domiciliary Care Allowance is determined by the level of care required, not the specific condition or disability.

Currently, severe food allergies are not explicitly listed as a qualifying condition. However, if the allergies result in a significant need for ongoing care and attention, they may meet the medical criteria. The application process involves submitting medical reports and detailed descriptions of the care required.

The Additional Needs Payment is a means-tested financial support provided by my department to help individuals or families cover essential expenses that they cannot afford from their regular income or savings. It is part of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme and is administered by the Community Welfare Service.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.