Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister indicated that she has received a vast number of representations from carers' organisations, disability groups, families and charities such as Barnardos. In that context, we are living in the here and now. I do not want to waste the eight minutes available to me. However, I wish to state that I will stand over the introduction of the respite care grant by Fianna Fáil in 1999. I will also stand over the fact that the amount payable under this grant should remain at ¤1,700. I will not stand over the fact that the Minister believes it is appropriate to cut the grant by 20%. Furthermore, I will stand over the fact that I am a member of a party which, when in government, increased child benefit from ¤53 for the first child to ¤166 in 2010.