Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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The carers have recommended protecting income support for family carers. In order to address the needs of carers, we have emphasised the restoration of the respite care grant to €1,700, which we believe is essential. I have personal knowledge of the impact of that in real cases and I do not need to be convinced. I am somewhat concerned that I am arguing for slightly more than what is mentioned in the opening paragraph which states that all income supports for family carers must be protected at current levels. I wonder about the language because after the significant reductions in recent years, that is not enough. We all get beaten up by the barrage of where we are at and everything. We almost succumb to the weight of guilt placed on us and that we cannot be looking for anything more - never mind what Mr. Naughton said earlier. Is that the correct language to use?