Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

One of the many groups disappointed by the budget is the carers group. In budget 2013, the respite care grant was disgracefully cut by €325. I am sure the Tánaiste knows the payment is a lifeline for almost 80,000 carers and their families. The Tánaiste should right the wrong done to these families and take advantage of the social welfare legislation to restore a necessary payment for these families. Can the Tánaiste tell us if she is prepared to do so? Statements have been issued by carers and their organisations and they are deeply angry and upset at the failure to reverse the cut. It should have featured as part of the budget given that the Tánaiste tells us she is lifting austerity.

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