Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

These two sections are affecting disability allowance and carer's allowance. There were cuts of €8 a week in the budget on Tuesday last and last year the same cuts were applied to both of these categories. An €8 cut to disability allowance in this year's budget along with €8.30 in last year's budget means a person is down €847.60 a year since 2008. The new rate of disability of €188 per week is down from €196 in 2010. The new rate of carer's allowance is down to €204 per week from €212 in 2010. This erosion of social welfare allowances for people who are most vulnerable is wrong.

Senator O'Toole made an impassioned plea for the blind, who were also affected last year in the blind pension. They were not referred to by the Minister in his wrapping-up of Second Stage. I have grave concerns as to how the blind will afford to pay for food for their guide dogs and veterinary bills. The Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív, omitted to mention those in his wrapping-up speech.