Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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44. To ask the Minister for Social Protection her views on a reversal of the reduction in the respite care grant that took place in budget 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38478/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I am very aware that the reduction in the respite care grant in Budget 2013 proved difficult for carers. However, in order to protect the core weekly payments which people receive, including disability payments, pensions and carer’s allowance, the Government had to look very carefully at other additional payments, including the respite care grant. This approach to protecting core weekly payments still applies.

It is worth making the point that the rate of the respite care grant at €1,375 is still more than twice what it was in 2002 when it was €635, and higher than it was in 2006 at the height of the economic boom, when it was €1,200.

It should also be noted that such an annual payment - in a single lump sum with no requirement to satisfy a means test - is not available for any other group nor indeed is there an equivalent payment for carers in any other country in Europe.