Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013
642. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of two respite care grants; the number in receipt of three or more grants; the total value of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16967/13]
View answerThe respite care grant (RCG) is an annual payment made automatically to people in receipt of carer’s allowance, carer’s benefit or domiciliary care allowance from my Department. Other persons who are not in receipt of one of these payments, but who are providing full time care and attention can also apply for the grant via separate application. A further 197 carers had been awarded three or more grants. The total value of these grants amounts to just under €17.4m (12.5% app of the overall cost of the scheme), based on the annual rate of €1,700, payable in 2012. Total provisional expenditure on the respite care grant scheme in 2012 was €136m.
