Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Before the question is put on the section, I add my voice in opposition to the cut to carer's allowance - the carer's grant. It is not all that long ago when the Minister was waxing eloquently and strongly in favour of the poor and the underprivileged. Looking at the budget, there is only one description for it. It is unfair and lacks compassion, particularly in the case of the Minister's Department. It punishes the poor, carers in particular, through the reduction of the carer's grant. Carers believe they are a burden on the State because of the reduction in the fund. They should be looked upon as a very special resource - people who have the skills and the time and who make sacrifices on an individual basis to give love and provide care and attention for their families and others within their communities. Instead of reducing the carer's grant, we should be acknowledging the contribution they make. We should also acknowledge that they are not a burden on the State, but rather that they make a generous contribution to the health and welfare of others. I support the proposal which should be put to the House.

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