Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Social Protection her plans regarding the respite care grant; and the changes that she is considering. [28035/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The respite care grant is an annual payment of €1,700 made by my Department to some 77,000 carers. In June every year, the grant is paid to people in receipt of carer's allowance, carer's benefit, prescribed relative's allowance and domiciliary care allowance. Carers not in receipt of one of these payments may also qualify for the payment.

In 2005, the respite care grant was extended to 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. In June 2007 and 2008, the level of the grant was increased to €1,500 and €1,700 respectively. In Budget 2012 the level of the grant was retained.

A range of options were considered and reviewed in the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure in 2011. No decisions have been made in relation to welfare expenditure for next year. These decisions will be made after full consideration by the Government and will be announced on Budget day.