Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I was concerned that some Members were questioning why I and other members of my party and members of the Opposition were raising concerns about the carer's grant cut. It is a genuinely held belief. We disagree with it completely. They do not have to agree with our position but what I will not accept is Members in this House questioning why we would actually oppose this cut, and also stating, as a Member did yesterday, that we are using the carers and those people who need care for political purposes. I reject that charge outright. I respect what Members on the Government side say, although I do not always agree with it, but I never call into question why they raise those issues or why they have a certain stance. I would take people at face value, although maybe I am naive to do so.

We will go back into section 5, on the respite care grant, today. The Seanad yesterday showed, in my view, and hopefully showed people outside, that it has a real purpose. There is a chance again today to send back to the Dáil a flawed Bill, particularly section 5 and particularly the 20% cut to the carers. I would ask Members to have a think, on the last day before we break for Christmas, as to what type of Christmas present a 20% cut to the respite care grant will be to the carers. We will debate that on the Social Welfare Bill. Unfortunately, I will have to oppose the Order of Business on the basis the Leader is bringing in the guillotine on the family home tax Bill.