Budget 2013 Social Protection: Call to reverse 20% cut to respite support for carers

Pressure is already mounting on Government to reverse its 20% cut to “lifeline” respite support for carers, after the move was slammed as a “back-door attack on disability” which flies in the face of promises to protect the service.

Leading disability groups have hit out at cuts to families caring for loved ones announced in yesterday’s budget, saying it is another sign that the most vulnerable are being forced to pay for the mistakes of others.

Under plans announced by Finance Minister Michael Noonan, the existing annual €1,700 payment to carers — which allows them to take short periods away from the stress of looking after loved ones — has been cut to €1,375.