Mother challenges refusal of care allowance for child

A mother of three children with autism has brought a High Court action arising out of the social protection minister’s refusal to pay her the domiciliary care allowance in respect of her youngest child, Éadaoin, 2.

Deirdre Sheerin, from Clara, Co Offaly, is challenging the minister’s refusal to pay the allowance.

The payment is made under the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 in respect of children who need continual care in excess of the care normally required of a child of the same age.