Debate on Social Welfare Bill underway in Dáil

A debate on the Social Welfare Bill is underway in the Dáil this evening.

TDs will be asked to vote on Thursday on the measures which give effect to cost savings and cuts announced in last weeks budget.

Earlier the Taoiseach told the Dáil that the government had to take hard decisions in the interest of the country, and would stand by it's decision to cut the respite care grant.

But speaking in the Dáil earlier was Fianna Fail's Willie O'Dea who said the cut was cruel and unfair: