John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I wish to share time with Deputy Durkan. I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise the case of one of my constituents. My constituent was refused the respite care grant for the 2006-07 period, despite the existence of incontrovertible medical evidence from two family doctors. This case was previously raised by Deputies Kenny and Durkan.

The constituent to whom I refer cares for his 83-year-old mother, who requires full-time care, and his brother, who is a cancer patient. As my constituent provides constant care to his mother and brother, he is unable to take up employment. I am familiar with this case and I have good reason to believe that the evidence provided by my constituent at the oral hearing relating to the case did not represent an accurate account of the level of care he provides to his family. The man in question was extremely nervous and did not relate the real story. He appealed the decision to refuse the respite care grant but this appeal was rejected.

My constituent is under considerable stress as a result of being obliged to care for his mother and brother, while being unable to earn a full-time living from work. He has been on medication due to this difficult situation and the level of stress that results from it. Two family doctors have volunteered to provide oral medical evidence to illustrate the true nature of his situation and his commitment to his mother and his brother. By caring for his mother and his brother in this manner, my constituent is saving the State a great deal of money. It is mean and penny-pinching that he should be denied the respite care grant.

I earnestly urge the Minister to have this case re-examined and referred for a further oral hearing in order that justice might be done in this most deserving case. I would appreciate if the necessary arrangements could be made for the oral hearing to be held.

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