Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have spent a great deal of time in the past seven to ten days meeting people with disabilities and their carers to discuss their concerns regarding the budget. The legislation before us today is unjust, unfair and serves only to deepen further the divide in society. The choices that could have been made to protect the vulnerable were not taken. The Bill reflects a direction by Government that will create a more unjust society and shows we are a long way from a democratic and inclusive republic.

The harrowing cuts to home care provision, particularly the respite care grant, will cause untold hardship for thousands of carers and must be reversed. The massive 20% reduction in the respite care grant must likewise be rescinded. These measures are an insult to carers who have given up work to care for elderly parents and disabled children 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year and, in so doing, are saving the State considerable sums of money. There are close to 5,000 people who receive no other support from the State and are solely dependent on the respite care grant. They will be hit very hard by the sharp and sudden reduction in their income. An annual payment of €1,700 is not a great deal, yet it has now been reduced by €325 to €1,375.

Other cuts that will have a major impact on the most vulnerable are the increase in prescription charges and the reduction in the household benefits package. The imposition of a carbon tax on solid fuels at a rate of 10% per tonne from May 2013 and 20% per tonne from May 2014 will cut €22 million out of the system. These changes will impact on the ability of people, especially the elderly, to heat their homes adequately. The measures set out in this Bill will have an enormous effect on people's lives. It is very frustrating to hear the Government talking about its commitment to protecting the vulnerable. It is particularly irritating to hear Labour Party Members prattling on about human rights on the international stage while their party in government hammers the rights of the disabled, carers and the elderly in this country. What planet are they on?

I met a group of carers at the gates of Leinster House today, many of them exhausted. They surely have enough on their plates without having to protest in this manner.

They all asked me to fight on their behalf. I, therefore, urge the Minister of State, Deputy John Perry, and the Government to listen to their needs and roll back this legislation that provides for cuts to the respite care grant. Let the Government be brave, tough and strong and come up with other options to stop the cuts. It is not rocket science; many Deputies have brought forward other funding proposals to resolve these matters. Let us have compassion and common sense and, above all, listen to carers, the disabled and senior citizens. That is all I ask for in the debate on the Social Welfare Bill. Family carers provide €4 billion worth of care every year and are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Let us give them dignity and respect and in the coming days look at changing the Bill. If the Government does not do this, I will vote against it. It is time to end the talk and stand with carers, the disabled and senior citizens.

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