There is a certain irony in the crocodile tears being shed by the other side of this House in relation to cuts to the respite care grant.

That is not true. Senator Hayden cannot speak for Members on this side of the House. How dare she.

Senator Hayden without interruption.

This House will debate the Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012 this evening, which it is estimated will raise €200 million in six months and approximately €500 million in a full year. Almost every household in the country will contribute to this. The amount raised by this tax in one year will be less than that spent on carer's benefit. The entire property tax take in this country in one full year will be less than the €600 million spent on carers by this Government.

Exactly. Why then is the Government introducing such a half baked measure?

It is outrageous to suggest that this Government does not care about people who have care needs.

It does not care.

People throughout the country are talking about the Government.

More money is spent on carers than will be the entire tax take in one year from the property tax.

It will cost more to keep people in nursing homes.

Senator Hayden without interruption.

Shame on the Labour Party.

I have no doubt that the Opposition will cry crocodile tears about that too.

It is a wrong policy. The Government is going down the wrong road.

It is disgraceful. We are not crying crocodile tears.

Does Senator Hayden have a question for the Leader?

Yes.

The Labour Party made commitments and broke them. It has broken every commitment to date. The Labour Party has no credibility as a party.

Excuse me.

The Labour Party has no credibility. Members of that party should be ashamed of themselves.

Senator Hayden without interruption.

It is worth bearing in mind that the respite care grant will, even after these cuts, be higher than it was in 2006.

Senators, please.

The previous Fianna Fáil-led Government had vast resources available to it during the Celtic tiger era, which it should have spent on carers and their needs rather than on the Galway tent.

James Connolly would turn in his grave.

Senator Hayden without interruption. Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?