283. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in determination of application for DCA in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46034/24]

Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is payable to a parent / guardian in respect of a child aged under 16 who has a severe disability requiring continual or continuous care and attention substantially in excess of the care and attention normally required by a child of the same age and where the level of the child's disability is such that the child is likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 consecutive months.

An application for DCA in respect of their child was received from the person concerned on 20 September 2024.

A Deciding Officer has disallowed the application for DCA in respect of the person concerned as per decision letter dated 4 November 2024, on the grounds that the child was not considered to satisfy the above condition for DCA.  As part of the decision process, the Deciding Officer had regard to the professional opinion of a departmental Medical Assessor (MA) in making their decision and a copy of that MA opinion was issued with the decision letter.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.