We are in the middle of the annual carer's week, 10-16 June. Ironically, the savage respite care grant cut of €325 has come into effect. This represents a 20% cut in respite care grant aid, which carers may use at their discretion. There are more than 77,000 carers, many of whom work more than 100 hours per week without a break. This savage cut proves that carers are overburdened and underappreciated by the Government. The Carers Association, many carers and others protested outside Leinster House yesterday. I attended that protest and spoke to carers and their families. They expressed their heartbreak at this disappointing Government decision.

We should discuss the budget before it is drafted. We talk about being pro-life while cutting a grant to the most vulnerable in society. It is ironic that a senior Fine Gael adviser has been given an annual salary of €174,000 as a member of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, EBRD. This is some €174,000 for a gentleman who already has a large pension as a former senior civil servant-----

That is very personal.

I did not name him.

I know, but he can be identified.

I want to know what the Leader has to say about cutting €325 from each carer while giving a Fine Gael adviser a big job on €174,000 per year.

The Senator has gone over time.