Carers' respite grant increases by €200 from today

The respite grant for full-time carers is increasing by €200-a-year from today.

More than 48,000 carers will now receive an annual payment of €1,700 from the State.

The grant is available to anyone who cares full-time for an elderly person or someone with a disability, whatever their means.

Announcing the increase, Social Affairs Minister Mary Hanafin said the Government valued and recognised the role played by carers in Irish society.