Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2026
45. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Social Protection if he is aware that parents of children with additional needs may be unable to receive disability-related payments, such as the domiciliary care allowance if they take holidays exceeding two weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46324/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDomiciliary Care Allowance is a non-means-tested payment to a parent or guardian in respect of a child under 16 who has a severe disability and requires continual or continuous care and attention, substantially more than what is typically required by a child of the same age. More than 64,460 families are currently receiving Domiciliary Care Allowance in respect of approximately 73,580 children. The estimated expenditure on the scheme in 2026 is almost €359 million.
In general, most social welfare payments can only continue to be paid within the State, with specific provisions made to provide for a holiday. In the case of Domiciliary Care Allowance, legislation provides for the payment to continue for up to three weeks in respect of a holiday break outside the State per calendar year.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
