Budget fallout - Cuts will nullify hope for economy

In the aftermath of Budget 2013, there are genuine grounds for fearing that provisions intended to stimulate the economy will be nullified by the severity of cuts that will take around €1,000 from the average family income, money that would otherwise go into the tills of high-street shops.

As a result, jobs are expected to be lost in cities, towns, and villages across the country where hundreds of companies have already gone to the wall.

However, before turning to the wider economic repercussions of a raft of swingeing cuts, public interest demands comment on the 19% slashing of the respite care grant. Only an insensitive, unfair Government would slash that allowance for tens of thousands of carers. They are the husbands, wives, children, and other family members who opt to look after loved ones unable to fend for themselves. Due to their selfless dedication, savings to the State are counted in billions of euro, money that would otherwise have to be found within the ailing health system in order to provide such care.