Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

No, I cannot reverse these cuts now. Not alone have I been visited by a number of people, I have visited people whose situations are quite serious. In regard to the drafting of the budget, the Deputy is aware of the overall figures and will have an opportunity during the course of the debate on the budget to put his points. The Ministers for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, Social Protection, Health and others will, in consideration of the Estimates, take into account the difficulties and plight of many of our elderly citizens, as is being brought to their attention on a regular basis.

The situation is that decisions of the previous Government in respect of unspecified cuts have had to be dealt with. Preparation of budget 2012 will take into account in the best way possible and within the constraints available to us, the protection and respect of our elderly citizens, in particular those living alone or in difficult circumstances which arise for a variety reasons.

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