Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 July 2024
266. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in determination of an application for domiciliary care allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30587/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDomiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is payable in respect of a child aged under 16 who has a severe disability requiring continual or continuous care and attention 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.
Eligibility for DCA is not based entirely on the child's disability but primarily on the impact of the disability/diagnosis, in terms of the level of associated care and attention required by the relevant child, compared to a child of a similar age who does not have such a disability/diagnosis.
An application for DCA in respect of their child was received by my Department from the person concerned on 23 October 2023.
A deciding officer disallowed their application as per decision dated 22 January 2024. Based on the information provided, their child was not considered to satisfy the conditions for DCA. This determination also considered the supporting documentary (medical) evidence that was provided by the applicant in the application process. The deciding officer had regard to the professional opinion of a departmental Medical Assessor in making their decision and a copy of that medical opinion was issued to the applicant for information, along with the above decision notification.
The person concerned requested a review of the above decision and also appealed the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. (SWAO)
Following a review of their application in respect of their child, including all information and evidence available at the time of the original decision and all further additional information/evidence provided in support of their review request, a deciding officer decided not to revise the original decision as per further decision dated 27 May 2024.
Their file was sent to the SWAO on 24 May 2024 for determination by an Appeals Officer. The SWAO will notify the person concerned directly of the appeal outcome in due course.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
