asked the Minister for Health his views on the proposal to raise from 16 to 18 years the age limit for the domiciliary care allowance, payable by the health boards in respect of handicapped children living at home.

I presume the Deputy is referring to the recommendation in the report of the Commission on Social Welfare that the age limit for the domiciliary care allowance be raised from 16 to 18 years.

As the Deputy is aware this recommendation is one of a number of related recommendations dealing with the general question of income maintenance which are being considered at present. Pending the outcome of that consideration I do not propose to make known my views on the matter.