Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)

I too compliment the Department of Social and Family Affairs on the prompt service it provides in respect of Deputies' questions. It is very much appreciated. However, there are a few anomalies and it would be appreciated if they could be addressed. A few principal issues which have an impact on the lives of ordinary people have been omitted. One is the means tested respite care grant, where one does not qualify if one works more than 15 hours per week. An example from my constituency concerns a bachelor in his late 50s, who is minding his 96 year old mother who has Alzheimer's disease. He claims nothing from the State but applied for the respite care grant.

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