Respite Care Grant Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 July 2015

Thursday, 9 July 2015

Questions (80)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

80. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on the fact that the respite care grant ceases to be paid in its entirety when the person being cared for passes away; if she will consider adjusting the grant so that the carer will receive a portion of the grant to cover the period in which the deceased was alive and in receipt of constant care and attention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28050/15]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

In order to qualify for a respite care grant (RCG) – a non means-tested payment made to all full-time carers who provide full time care and attention to others - a person must, in addition to other criteria, be caring for at least six months. This must include the first Thursday in June when the payment is made automatically to recipients of carer’s allowance/benefit, domiciliary care allowance, or prescribed relative allowance.

The grant covers 52 weeks from this date. It is not paid on a proportional basis and I have no plans to make any changes in this regard.