Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 11 Nov 2003

Vol. 574 No. 1

Written Answers. - Care of the Elderly.

John Deasy

Ceist:

407 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people who are offered two weeks' respite care for elderly relatives at present being taken care of at home during a 12 month period in each health board area; the cost of providing this service; if he will consider in conjunction with the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the possibility of offering an annual respite care grant to those who would prefer to have their relatives taken care of at home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26597/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. Callely):

The information requested by the Deputy, concerning the number of people who are offered two weeks' respite care in respect of elderly relatives who are being taken care of at home, is not routinely collated in my Department. Accordingly, my Department has asked the health boards and the Eastern Regional Health Authority to provide the information requested, direct to the Deputy, as a matter of urgency.

Concerning the offering of an annual respite care grant, such a grant is, in fact, already provided by my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, to recipients of carer's allowance and carer's benefit. It is also payable to carers who are caring for recipients of a constant attendance or prescribed relative's allowance. This grant is a contribution towards respite care, to be used as the recipients wish.