Mary White (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

These were introduced for the sake of saving ¤26 million. Does the Government not have any imagination. It may be that too many Ministers are former teachers and trade union officials and do not have a clue about how to be innovative and make savings of ¤26 million elsewhere in their budgets. Yesterday, I attended a protest by carers for the second time. Senators should go outside to another protest by carers which will be held at 1 p.m. tomorrow. I will stick with the protest until the cut in respite care grants is withdrawn. The mantra of carers and those for whom they care is that the cut must be reversed. Why do people enter politics if not to stand up for the weak and vulnerable? People who are ill and receiving care are being forced to humiliate themselves and come out to protest in their wheelchairs.