Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 139: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of applications for respite grant received on a monthly basis in his Department since the inception of the scheme; the number granted on a monthly basis in the same period; the number refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4418/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Respite Care Grant (RCG) is an annual payment made to all persons providing full-time care, regardless of means or PRSI contribution record, but subject to certain conditions. The extension of the scheme to all carers was introduced in Budget 2005. The Grant is payable from the first Thursday in June of the year in question.

Details of applications received, claims allowed and claims refused by month, for the years 2005 to 2007, are detailed in tabular form below. Differences between total applications received and those decided are due to the fact that some RCG applications are ultimately decided in the Carers section in Longford as part of claims for Carers Allowance or Benefit. In addition some cases require further enquiries to finalise entitlement.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 140: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will assist a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [4456/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Health Service Executive has advised that it has not received an application for assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme from the person concerned. The Executive has advised that the person concerned should contact her local community welfare office immediately so that any entitlement she may have can be determined.

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare Division of the Health Service Executive. Neither I nor my Department has any function in relation to decisions on individual claims.