There was some good news announced this afternoon as the minister for disabilities Finian McGrath has confirmed that he has reached a deal to undo imposed cuts to the respite care grant.
Mr McGrath made the announcement in the past few hours in which revealed that the extra money will be given to the Department of Social Protection. The imposed cuts which were introduced back 2013 Budget will now see the €1,700 grant restored for the most vulnerable in Ireland’s society.
Mr McGrath also confirmed that an extra €31m will be provided for the disabilities sector this year, which will be earmarked for several areas including “emergency cases”.
Mr McGrath told reporters: “When I talk about emergency cases, I’m talking about adults with intellectual disabilities in their 40s and 50s whose parents are dying or dead or into their 80s and 90s.
“This is a huge issue every single June in the services.”