Minister of State Tony Killeen T.D has welcomed the allocation of grants to hundreds of Carers throughout County Clare this week.
The annual Respite Care Grant was first introduced in June 1999 at the rate of EUR254 in recognition of the importance of respite to carers. It has been increased each year since then, rising to the current rate of EUR1,700. The grant is available to all carers providing full-time care and attention to an older person or a person with disability, regardless of their means or social insurance contributions.
“This payment helps Carers to get respite care for their loved one or can be used to take them on a break. It can be used in whatever way the Carer wants and so gives them great flexibility,” commented Minister Killeen. The Clare Deputy said that the Government remained fully committed to supporting carers. He continued: The Government is acutely aware of the sacrifices made by carers and has sought to make many improvements in services and supports for carers. Over the past decade, weekly payment rates to carers have greatly increased, qualifying conditions for Carer’s Allowance have significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as half-rate Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit have been introduced and extended. The combined expenditure on Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit and the Respite Care Grant is expected to be in the region of EUR650 million in 2009.”
The annual Respite Care Grant was first introduced in June 1999 at the rate of EUR254 in recognition of the importance of respite to carers. It has been increased each year since then, rising to the current rate of EUR1,700. The grant is available to all carers providing full-time care and attention to an older person or a person with disability, regardless of their means or social insurance contributions.
“This payment helps Carers to get respite care for their loved one or can be used to take them on a break. It can be used in whatever way the Carer wants and so gives them great flexibility,” commented Minister Killeen. The Clare Deputy said that the Government remained fully committed to supporting carers. He continued: The Government is acutely aware of the sacrifices made by carers and has sought to make many improvements in services and supports for carers. Over the past decade, weekly payment rates to carers have greatly increased, qualifying conditions for Carer’s Allowance have significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as half-rate Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit have been introduced and extended. The combined expenditure on Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit and the Respite Care Grant is expected to be in the region of EUR650 million in 2009.”
