Campaigners disagree with department over allowance

A group of campaigners for families with children seeking or receiving domiciliary care allowance (DCA) has taken issue with the time taken to process applications.

Figures provided by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection show that 8,197 claims for the monthly payment were received last year, and that 6,010 applications were awarded, with 2,187 refused.

DCA is paid for a child aged under 16 with a severe disability and who requires ongoing care and attention. The application process has been the focus of court cases in recent years, although the latest figures indicate that applicants are now more likely to receive the payment than not. In 2014, more than half of all applications were refused at the first stage.