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TD slates care allowance cuts
09.05.12
INISHOWEN TD Charlie
McConalogue has voiced his support for a Dáil motion
opposing cuts to the Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA).
The motion also calls for a complete overhaul of the
assessment criteria for the allowance.
Deputy McConalogue accused the Government of a
"relentless attack on children with special needs"
and said his party, FF, would back the motion put
forward this week by the Dáil's Technical Group.
“It is an absolute disgrace that that 50% of
children with autism and severe intellectual
disabilities have suddenly lost all support from the
State as a result of a so-called ‘review’ of the
Domiciliary Care Allowance.
"This has been devastating for many families in
Donegal and across the country who up to now have
used that money for occupational therapy, speech and
language therapy and a range of other special needs
treatments. |
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Donegal North East TD Charlie
McConalogue. |
“What’s even worse is
that these parents have been unable to explain their
situations directly to the Government. Not one
member of Cabinet has been able to find the time to
meet them over the past three months to address
their concerns." Deputy McConalogue said his party
met with parents last month while their leader
Micheál Martin TD raised the matter in the Dáil with
the Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
“I am appealing to the Government TDs in Donegal to
do the right thing and stand up for the children in
this county that have lost the support that they so
desperately need.”
About 26,000 children in the State get the DCA
allowance of €309 per month, as well as an annual
respite care grant of €1,700.
Defending the cuts to the scheme, Social Protection
Minister, Joan Burton, said parents of disabled
children would get nearly €17,000 per year in
additional care allowance payments.
She said the payments would include a carer's
allowance, free TV licence, electricity allowance
and phone allowance as part of a household benefits
package. |
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