Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

These savings total ¤400 million. That is where the money would come from. Senator Crown made other proposals, with which I agree. Other Senators made proposals also and I spoke today the Order of Business on yet another. There are alternatives and it is a question of choices. Why should the most vulnerable, who are probably the least vocal, pay the price for some of the bad decisions that were taken during the course of the boom? While one can cast aspersions politically and blame former politicians ? that is fine ? we should not take it out on those who are caring for the most vulnerable and needy.

My colleague from Donegal on the other side of the Chamber can shout and cast all sorts of aspersions but I would much rather he voted today against the cuts. If he does so, perhaps the 3,500 carers in Donegal will respect him more. Today, we have a great opportunity to rectify the standing of this House by protecting carers. The buck rests with the Senators on the other side of the House. Let us see what happens later.