Written answers

Thursday, 9 July 2009

Department of Social and Family Affairs

Social Welfare Benefits

12:00 pm

Photo of Olwyn EnrightOlwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 685: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress regarding the programme for Government commitment to double the non-means tested respite care grant to €3,000 per person cared for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29939/09]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Supporting and recognising carers in our society is, and has been, a priority of the Government since 1997. Over that period, weekly payment rates to carers have been greatly increased, qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have been significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit and the respite care grant have been introduced and extended.

In 2005, the respite care grant was extended to all people providing full time care and attention, regardless of their means or social insurance contributions and it was made payable in respect of each care recipient. From June 2007, the level of the grant was increased by €300 per year to €1,500 per year in respect of each person being cared for.

In Budget 2008, the level of the grant was increased by a further €200 per year to €1,700 in respect of each care recipient.

Any further increases in the level of the grant will have to be considered in the context of future Budgets.

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