Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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41. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will amend the Social Welfare Bill to make provisions for the restoration of the respite care grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43521/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The respite care grant (RCG) is an annual non means-tested payment made to all carers who provide full time care and attention to others. In 2014, more than 80,000 carers benefited from the respite care grant at an estimated cost of €122 million.

The RCG forms part of a range of income supports for carers provided by the Department. In total, over €822 million is being provided next year for these direct supports, up nearly €17 million from that provided for in 2014.

While I have no plans to increase the current annual rate of the RCG from €1,375, I would point out that in the recent Budget, I did announce a number of welfare initiatives which will benefit those, including carers, who are in receipt of a welfare payment.

These initiatives included an increase in Child Benefit, an increase in the Living Alone Allowance and support for welfare recipients with the cost of water services.

I am also pleased to say that I am in a position to partially restore the Christmas Bonus this year. A bonus of 25% will be paid in early December to all long-term welfare recipients including carers. This is in recognition of the position of vulnerable households and it is important to note that recipients of half-rate carer’s allowance will also get a bonus.

Carers with children will benefit from the increase in child benefit. There will be an increase in the living alone allowance from January, bringing the rate up to €9 for pensioners and people with disabilities. The living alone allowance was last increased in 1996.

In line with the Government’s Statement of Priorities, I have introduced a water support payment of €100 to recipients of the Household Benefit Package, to help older people and other vulnerable groups meet the cost of water services.

As well as the measures mentioned above, all existing welfare payments and supports for carers, pensioners and people with disabilities will be maintained in 2015 – there will be no reductions.