Dept Of Family Affairs Spared From Spending Cuts

The Minister of Social and Family Affairs has said her Department will not be affected by the Government's extensive spending cuts.

Speaking following the publication of a report on the State's 160,000 carers, Mary Hanafin said she believed "it's the other departments that will feel the pinch to ensure the Department of Social and Family Affairs is able to provide for the people who are most vulnerable."

Ms Hanafin said the first priority was to keep people in work, and help those who lost their jobs.

"None of the payments that we make to people are going to be cut back. In fact quite the opposite.

"There are people who unfortunately are losing their positions, their jobs, who are coming on the live register. They have to be paid and they will be paid. I want people to have that comfort and that security," she said.

The report on Ireland's carers looked at the implementation of new allowances, which came into effect at during 2008. Some of the changes included a boost in allowances for those aged over 66, and the level of the respite care grant receiving an increased by €200 to €1,700 per year.

On Monday, Minister also announced €46 million was to be spent on helping parents with their back to school costs.

On the same day, reports emerged the government was planning over €1 billion in cuts over the next two years.

Finance Minister Brian Lenihan warned that Government departments, including Health, Education, Social Welfare and Environment, need to fully realise the financial difficulties facing the economy and would have to achieve agreed savings and enhance value for money.

(DW)