Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 April 2005
168 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to Question No. 248 of 20 April 2005, the certain conditions which must be satisfied; the way in which such a grant can be applied for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13897/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe respite care grant is an annual payment for carers who look after certain people in need of full-time care and attention. Both the carer and person in receipt of care must satisfy certain conditions. The carer must be aged 16 years or over; ordinarily resident in the State;caring for the relevant person on a full-time basis; living with the person being cared for or, if not, contactable quickly by a direct system of communication between his or her home and the home of the person being cared for; and caring for the relevant person for at least six months, which includes the first Thursday in June.
The person being cared for must be so incapacitated as to require full-time care and attention — medical certification is required; not normally live in a hospital, convalescent home or other similar institution; and not receive full-time care and attention within his or her own home from another person.
As stated in my earlier reply, from early May application forms and information leaflets will be available throughout my Department's network of local and branch offices, from citizens' information centres and from my Department's website. Where carers are in receipt of carer's allowance, carer's benefit, domiciliary care allowance or prescribed relative allowance, or where the person being cared for is in receipt of constant attendance allowance, they will not have to apply for the grant as it will be paid automatically.
As already advised, my Department has set up a dedicated unit to administer the enhanced respite care grant scheme. To coincide with the current publicity campaign and to provide assistance and advice on the scheme, a special freefone service at 1800 690590 is being provided until May 11. Thereafter, the new dedicated unit will provide advice and assistance as required.
