Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2015
47. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide consideration to restoring the previous optimum rate of respite carer's grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19023/15]
View answerIn considering measures for Budget 2013, and the government commitment to protect core weekly social welfare payments, it was necessary to look carefully at other additional payments, including the respite care grant. It was in this context that the decision was taken to reduce the amount of the grant, and any decision regarding the future rate of the grant would have to be taken in the context of overall Budget considerations.
However, it is worth making the point that the rate of the respite care grant at €1,375 is still more than twice what it was in 2002 when it was €635, and higher than it was in 2006 at the height of the economic boom, when it was €1,200.
It should also be noted that such an annual payment - in a single lump sum with no requirement to satisfy a means test - is not available for any other group nor indeed is there an equivalent payment for carers in any other country in Europe.
