Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The budget is a week and a half away. I know it is not too far away, but there is a long way to go before any decisions are made from a social support point of view for any part of our country and society. Like the Deputy, I wish to appreciate the significant contribution carers make to our country and echo the fact that this has been a particularly difficult year for them. I am sure that when the Minister, Deputy McGrath, is putting together his plans, he will try to ensure that is recognised. There are currently a significant number of demands on the State. We need to recognise the very important contributions the Deputy has highlighted, but also the big challenges we face in getting people back to work and the maintenance of so many support schemes. All of that will come together and be announced in the budget on Tuesday week.