Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

——and improvements in the terms of the disability allowance, back to work allowance and back to education allowance schemes to assist participation in the labour force. In addition, in line with commitments under Sustaining Progress, the rate of maternity benefit will be increased from 75% to 80% of reckonable earnings.

Caring for older people

This Government has always given high priority to supporting older people. Respect for older people and the dignity of older people are at the heart of our policies. That is as it should be. Many older people have active and fulfilled lives. Others have increasing needs for health care and support. Most older people and their families want to live and be cared for at home for as long as possible.

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