Restore the Respite Care Grant

SINN FÉIN has joined forces with a number of Carers groups to launch an appeal to to the Irish Government to reverse cuts made to the Respite Care Grant two years ago. 

The cut of €325 was part of Budget 2013 and has been described by many of those dependent on it as “cruel”.

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Social Protection, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, along with party colleague Mary Lou McDonald TD, has hosted a number of the carers’ groups in meeting TDs and senators from all parties in Leinster House on 22 October.

A new online petition has also been launched calling on the Taoiseach and the Minister for Social Protection to ensure that the full Respite Care Grant is restored in the Social Welfare Bill due to be enacted on November 18. 

Many of those signing the petition have described what the payment means to them and their loved ones.

Kieran from Dungarvan said:

“The cut to Respite Care Grant was a cruel blow to a minority of citizens who could never protest as a group because they are too busy caring.

“Carers work tirelessly, are healthcare providers, nurses, personal hygienists.  They work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

Others pointed out that people were not just dependent on the grant for respite – indeed many of those signing said it was money they used to provide additional services and supports for their loved ones.

Anna from Dublin said she would be using it to “help fund therapies.”

Others described how they needed the grant just to pay for the basics.

Rose from Tullamore said:

“I depend on respite care grant to heat my home for the year and also to take a weekend break (once yearly when on full grant) to recharge my batteries.”

Deputy Ó Snodaigh said:

“The Government had many options in terms of trying to reverse some of the worst impacts of successive austerity Budgets.

“Restoring the Respite Care Grant should have been a priority.  What we are saying is that it is not too late.  

“In the overall scheme of things we are not talking about a huge sum of money – just €29.6million out of a budget of billions.”

Deputy Ó Snodaigh encouraged people to go online and sign the petition here and share it with their friends and families.