Hundreds Of Clare Carers Receive Respite Care Grant

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.”

Hundreds Of Clare Carers Receive Respite Care Grant

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.”

Boost For Business Sector In County Limerick

Limerick County Council has established a new Business Support Unit aimed at maximising economic activity and employment opportunities in County Limerick.

Coordinated and managed by the Council’s Community and Enterprise section, the Business Support Unit will liaise with all enterprise agencies to provide a range of supports and incentives to existing and prospective businesses.

“The primary objective of this Unit is to encourage greater economic activity in County Limerick whether that is by providing supports for start up companies or high profile marketing initiatives to attract foreign multinationals to invest in the region,” explained Anthony Coleman (pictured above), Administrative Officer, Limerick Business Unit. Mr. Coleman added: “Over the last 18 months, Limerick County Council has implemented a series of actions aimed at stimulating enterprise development in the County. These measures provide a solid base from which the Business Support Unit can be developed and expanded over the coming months.”

Actions taken by Limerick County Council include the implementation of a commercial rates freeze for the past two years and a 50pc reduction in the Manufacturing Planning Contributions Rate. The Local Authority has also given a commitment to five Enterprise Partnerships to co-fund new Enterprise Centres, set up the Joint City and County Economic Development Committee, acquired land for affordable enterprise sites in the village of Bruree, relaxed its Planning Policy in relation to the size of home-based enterprise developments, established an Enterprise Company to develop affordable sites, and identified five key sites in towns and villages for economic development.

The Business Support Unit works closely with the County Enterprise Board and County Development Board structures, local development companies, Enterprise Ireland, I.D.A., Shannon Development, FÁS, Third Level Institutions and Chambers of Commerce. For more on the Business Support Unit telephone 061-496454, email acoleman@limerickcoco.ie or visit www.lcc.ie.