James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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147. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will outline his plans to reform the domiciliary care allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33184/25]

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

As of May 2025, there were more than 59,000 families in receipt of Domiciliary Care Allowance in respect of almost 67,000 children. Domiciliary Care Allowance claims have doubled since 2015.

As part of Budget 2025, the payment increased by €20 in January, bringing it to its current rate of €360 per month. This payment has increased by €50.50 per month since January 2023.Further changes to the payment since 2022 have seen the duration of the period of support extended for families of children in hospital and for families of babies who remain in an acute hospital after birth.

It is important to note that the annual Carer's Support Grant was automatically paid to all families in receipt of Domiciliary Care Allowance on 5 June. As part of Budget 2025 the grant was increased to €2,000, the highest rate since its introduction. Families in receipt of Domiciliary Care Allowance may also be eligible for Carer’s Benefit or Carer’s Allowance.

The Programme for Government commits to protecting the Free Travel Pass and examining extending it to children in receipt of Domiciliary Care Allowance. It also contains a commitment to progressively increase the Domiciliary Care Allowance payment. These commitments will be advanced over the lifetime of the Government, having regard to available resources.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.