Marie Moloney (Labour)

A Leas-Chathaoirligh, may I continue without interruption, or will this be like the Dáil last week, with Members slagging each other across the floor of the House?

While many cuts have been made in social welfare payments, we must also focus on the positive aspects of the Bill. One is that no cuts have been made to the carer's payment. The carer's rate will be maintained and the half-rate carer's allowance will continue to be paid to people who are full-time carers and are receiving another social welfare payment. This is positive. It shows the Minister values carers and recognises the invaluable contribution they make to society. Were it not for carers many people would be in institutions or long-term care facilities, and this would have a profound effect on the budget of the Department of Health.

New applicants for carer's allowance will be disappointed by the removal of the household benefits package. However, if cuts had to be made to carers' payments I am glad they were made in this area rather than in the basic rate of payment or to the respite care grant of €1,700, which is invaluable to a carer after a long year of caring. I had hoped the Minister could have looked at the possibility of retaining the free telephone rental allowance for carers.