Union: Slash top pensions, not care grants

One of the country’s biggest unions mounted pressure on the Government to abandon budget cuts that will hit the vulnerable.

Siptu called on the Taoiseach to instead fast-track measures to squeeze more funds from premium pensions instead of slashing respite care grants, funds for jobseekers, and school supports.

The plea came as ministers and Coalition leaders stood by the budget plans for next year despite backbenchers pushing for some roll-back on the tougher cuts and extra charges.