Paul McGrath
Question:476 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if the respite care allowance of ?735 is payable to carers who are caring for persons in receipt of the domiciliary care allowance. [15974/03]
Written Answers. - Respite Care Allowances.
Paul McGrath
Question:593 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if the respite care allowance of ?735 is payable to recipients of the domiciliary care allowance even though they are being cared for by a person receiving the carers allowance from the Department of Social and Family Affairs. [15975/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 476 and 593 together.
In 1999 the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs introduced the respite care grant for recipients of carer's allowance. In 2000 the respite care grant was extended to beneficiaries of domiciliary care allowance.
At this time it was decided that the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs would be responsible for paying the respite care grant to those providing care who are beneficiaries of the carers allowance only or the carers allowance and domiciliary care allowance. It was also decided that my Department, via the health boards, would be responsible for paying the respite care grant to those providing care who are beneficiaries of domiciliary care allowance but who are not in receipt of the carers allowance.