Vol. 525 No. 2
207 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to concerns repeatedly pursued by a foundation (details supplied) in relation to the payment of domiciliary care allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24481/00]
I presume that the Deputy is referring to the respite care grant. The Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs is responsible for paying the respite care grant in cases where a person is in receipt of domiciliary care allowance and carer's allowance or in cases where a person is in receipt of carer's allowance only. The health boards are responsible for paying the respite care grant in cases where a person is in receipt of domiciliary care allowance only. The health board respite care grant is aligned with the criteria used by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs which allows for one respite care grant per carer.
I understand that the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs is considering the issue of paying a respite care grant in respect of each eligible person in a family in the context of the forthcoming budget. If further improvements are made by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs to the respite care grant criteria my Department would also consider such changes, subject to Department of Finance approval.
Question No. 208 taken with Question No. 193.
