Phil Prendergast (Labour)

I listened carefully to the Minister's explanation for his decision to cut the carer's allowance. Like the Minister, I have a relative in need of care but fortunately my family is large enough to rotate carers without needing to apply for carer's allowance. Many people who earn six figure sums have seen a decrease in their tax rates and nothing has been done about getting tax exiles to pay their fair share. In that context, the reduction in the carer's allowance is extremely harsh. Since I was elected to this House in 2007, carers' representatives have helped me to understand what is happening in this area. Many carers, however, are unable to come to Leinster House because they cannot find people to take over their caring duties. They are already burned out and disadvantaged and the harsh decision to cut the carer's allowance will just make it more difficult for them to meet the additional costs of winter heating and making ends meet over Christmas.