Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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42. To ask the Minister for Social Protection in view of the €1.5 billion which the work of carers saves the Exchequer each year, and in view of the return to stability in the economy, her plans to restore the 19% cut to the respite carer's grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39520/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Respite Care Grant (RCG) is an annual payment of €1,375 for carers who look after certain people in need of full-time care and attention.

The Government acknowledges the critical contribution made by carers to society which is why income supports for carers in this country are among the highest in Europe - expenditure on income supports for carers generally has increased from €773m in 2012 to an estimated €806m in 2014. I would also point out that there is no payment equivalent to the RCG for carers in any other country in Europe.

The payment of the RCG for 2014 commenced in June, with automatic payments issuing to over 70,000 DSP clients at an estimated cost of €122 million for the full year in 2014. There is no conditionality attached to how the RCG is utilised, so carers can use the grant as they wish.

I have no plans to revise the rate of the RCG payment at present.