Budget makes mockery of health plan - carers

Carers have been slamming the budget, saying there is little in Minister McCreevy's speech to back up the plans unveiled in the health plan last week.

Eddie Collins-Hughes of the Carers' Association, said the recognition - around £8 - is far to small.

"Family carers save the State at least £300-£400 per week - it's incredible," he said.

"We had a very fine document in the health strategy last week, with a lot of talk about care in the State and primary care in particular. As far as we are concerned, today's budget makes a complete mockery of those fine words of the Minister."