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'Sneaky' campaign of cuts
27.08.12
AN Inishowen TD has
criticised Government moves "to target the most
vulnerable children" with further cuts to the
Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA).
Deputy Charlie McConalogue said: “The DCA is given
to families with children who have severe
disabilities to help them get the care they need.
"As a result of a Government review last year, half
of the children with autism and severe intellectual
disabilities lost their DCA payment without warning. |
“Between last year and
the end of June this year, 281 families who were
previously in receipt of the DCA suddenly had it
pulled without reasonable explanation. A further 366
families are still awaiting a decision on their
applications and appeals, and have no idea where
they stand. "We now hear that the Minister for
Social Protection Joan Burton is planning a second
review which could result in even more children
losing their DCA."
Deputy McConalogue described the reviews as
"ruthless". |
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Deputy Charlie McConalogue. |
"Frankly, I am
appalled. I have been in touch with many families in
Donegal who simply cannot afford to continue with
the necessary care and treatment for their children
without this essential support from the State.
"This is a sneaky campaign of cuts and the Minister
has consistently refused to be upfront with the
families affected.
“Minister Burton must come clean about what is going
on here. I am repeating my call for a complete
overhaul in the system of assessing children for the
DCA. At the moment, it clearly discriminates against
children with intellectual disabilities. We cannot
allow this to continue.” |
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