Deputy Charlie McConalogue has voiced his strong support for a Dáil motion opposing cuts to the Domiciliary Care Allowance and calling for a complete overhaul of assessment criteria.
The Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Children has confirmed that his party will back the motion put forward by the Technical Group in the Dáil this week.
Deputy McConalogue has accused the Government of a relentless attack on children with special needs.
“Once again, this Government is targeting the most vulnerable children for severe cutbacks this year,” said the local TD.
“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.
“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.
“Fianna Fáil met the parents last month and demanded a fundamental change in how children are assessed for the Domiciliary Care Allowance. Party Leader Micheál Martin raised the matter in the Dáil with the Taoiseach Enda Kenny and called for a complete change in policy as recent changes to the system, moving it from the Department of Health to the Department of Social Protection, have been deeply unfair to children with intellectual disabilities.
“We will repeat our demands in the Dáil this week. The Government’s sneaky approach to this targeted cut has been unacceptable and they won’t get away with it any longer. 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.”
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