08/10/2008

Government Warned Against Cuts In Services

The Irish Government has been warned against making cuts in services in the forthcoming Budget.

The Carers' Association has told the Government that cuts in the income support for family carers would be a "false economy", resulting in larger costs outweighing any immediate savings.

According to Enda Egan, Chief Executive Officer of the association, Ireland's family carers are the biggest contributors to Ireland's 'social economy', saving the state over €2.5 bn each year by contributing three million hours of work per week caring for loved ones at home who may be frail, in bad health or who have severe disabilities

The remarks by the Carers' Association were echoed in the pre-Budget remarks by the Irish Primary Principals Network, who said investing in education now will make sure we are ready for the upturn in the economy when it comes.

President of the IPPN Larry Flemming says cutting back on the primary education budget would have disastrous consequences for the future and is comparable to a farmer selling his seed in times of hunger.

The Budget has been scheduled for next Tuesday, October 14.

(DW)

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