Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

The Minister's comment on the half-rate carer's allowance gives the impression carers have welcomed the cut to the carer's allowance but that is the not the case, as Senator Buttimer said. I was contacted by many carers prior to the budget asking for representations to be made on their behalf to ensure the rate would not be cut. It should not be forgotten that they also lost their Christmas bonus. In addition, they must pay €2.40 more for a bag of coal, 50 cent more for a bale of briquettes and a new fee of 50 cent per prescribed medicine. The elderly will not be entitled to free glasses any more because of the way the optical benefits will be configured. For someone on disability allowance, €196 a week is a small amount. Social Inclusion Ireland slammed these cuts and the Minister should not think to the contrary. The organisation has not applauded the Minister and the Government for the cuts.