Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 240: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if people who care for the elderly should be entitled to at least two weeks respite care from the State in view of the fact that they are doing the work of the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39390/06]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Respite care is provided at a number of locations around the country. One of the purposes of respite care is to give carers a break, to allow them time for themselves, to have a holiday or to spend time with other family members. The person being cared for may be admitted to a Health Service Executive (public) nursing home for respite care and this is organised through the public health nurse or the G.P.

An annual Respite Care Grant of €1,200 is paid by the Department of Social and Family Affairs in June to all carers in receipt of Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit, Constant Attendance Allowance or Prescribed Relative's Allowance. Since June 2005 the grant was extended to all carers who are providing full-time care to an older person or a person with a disability regardless of the carers' means.