Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Last week, I asked the Leader for a debate on perinatal care and I have got a commitment for such a debate. Perhaps it could be scheduled early in the new year. Many Senators across the House have sought this debate to inform us further on that issue.

The Leader has outlined the business for this and next week which is crucially important for the future of the country in the sense that it gives the Oireachtas an opportunity to rectify mistakes made in the budget. They have to be seen as mistakes because I cannot believe the Government would consciously make some of those decisions when one looks at the small print. I mention specifically the cut of ¤350 per annum, almost 20%, in the respite care grant paid to 75,000 families throughout the country. I do not see how that is fair. Nobody can explain how that is a justified cut. In the social welfare Bill next week we will get an opportunity to vote on each of the measures. Senator Paschal Mooney, the Fianna Fáil spokesperson on social protection, and I will table specific amendments on that issue. Will the Leader explain how it is fair that the back to school allowance is being cut by ¤50 per child?