Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Stanley also spoke about a united Ireland, which many of us would welcome. However, would the rate of carer's allowance be the €72 paid across the Border or the more than €200 paid down here?

It is unfortunate that when we have promised not to cut core payments, cuts must be made in other areas to make savings. One of the cuts I find difficult to accept is the cut to the respite care grant and I have made a number of suggestions to Ministers with regard to how we could raise revenue elsewhere or make other savings. In my home town, Peter Riordan has been named carer of the year. He cares for his two sons and he cared for his wife. It will be difficult for me to face him on this, but I will face him and I will be honest and let him know what I have tried to do and what I hope to do with regard to respite care grants.

I will support the Government on this budget. We must make hard decisions and I am not afraid to make those decisions, so that even if I do not retain my seat in four years time, I will have left the country with a better legacy and in a better position than the one we inherited.

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