Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I also welcome the restoration of the respite care grant. When the cut was introduced we pointed out that it would cause a great deal of hardship. I can testify to the fact that it has done so in the individual cases I have dealt with. Carers contribute an enormous amount to this country. I forget the exact figure but if they were to be paid properly, at the usual rate for the work they do, it would cost the State many billions.

Perhaps the Minister will clarify a matter regarding the old respite care grant. People who did not qualify for the carer's allowance could apply for that grant. The position is that if one receives carer's allowance, one is automatically entitled to the respite care grant. I presume the same applies to this carer's support grant. Will the Minister clarify that there is no change in the regulations and that if a person does not qualify for the carer's allowance they can still apply for, and receive, this grant?