While it is not my style of politics, I have listened for the past seven or eight days to discussions on the budget. I did not open my mouth to speak on the budget. I took the time to look at the last two budgets of the previous Government and considered the facts as they were. All sides might call for debates on cuts to the carer's grants, the respite care etc. However, we need to consider what happened under the previous Government. I had thought they did not hear of respite care until last Wednesday's budget. It is useful to recall the cuts in the basic carer's grant made by the previous Government. The budget for 2011, introduced by the Fianna Fáil-led Government, made cuts to the carer's allowance and the carer's tax relief. It also cut the widow's pension.

Is the Senator seeking a debate on the budget?

I have a question for the Leader. That Government also eliminated the Christmas bonus. It implemented across-the-board cuts to carer's allowance, the blind pension, widow's pension-----

Is the Senator seeking a debate on the budget?

I am looking for a debate and I am making my case.

Is the Senator getting to the point?

I was not here but some of my colleagues were, including the Leader of the Opposition, who was in the other House when these were all agreed. The previous Government opted for across-the-board cuts to all payments. It underlines Fianna Fáil's utter hypocrisy.

The Senator can make those points in the debate.

If you do not mind, a Chathaoirligh, I did not say one word on it until now.

We are on the Order of Business.

I ask the Leader to establish the reason for the sudden change and great concern for all carer and respite grants. Why have we had crocodile tears for the past week?