Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The Minister, Deputy Humphreys, met with organisations representing carers and listened to them outline the scenarios the Senator described. We have the pre-budget forum next week, which I will attend with the Minister. I expect we will hear more about the organisations' views on this area. It is worth noting that despite the substantial extra financial demands due to the pandemic, and in recognition of the vital role that carers provide in our society, my Department announced that the carer's support grant, which the Senator described as the respite grant, would be increased by €150 to a rate of €1,850. The estimated cost of the carer's support grant in 2021 is over €265 million. The new rate is the highest ever rate of the payment since its introduction. I look forward to hearing the views of the carers' organisations next week at the pre-budget forum.I will bring the Senator's point to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Humphreys.