Hildegarde Naughton (Fine Gael)
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I will pose the question now, but I understand that.

It is understandable that given the move away from institutional care for cost, psychological and other reasons, the State should encourage care to be given in the home. I understand the constraints and realise the Minister is inundated with requests at this time of the year in regard to increased spending. I refer, in particular, to the Carers Association's submission to the Department and would like to hear the Minister's views on its request to formally acknowledge the half rate carer's grant as a core payment and on the respite grant. The Carers Association made a submission asking that the respite grant be paid twice yearly because it pointed out that the annual payment means that those who lose a loved one during the year would miss out on the June payment.