Debate on Social Welfare Bill leads to angry Dáil scenes

Further heated Dáil exchanges are expected today as TDs continue to debate social welfare budget cuts.

Last night Social Protection Minister Joan Burton said she had fought to protect the most vulnerable and to maintain core rates of social welfare.

However, opposition TDs rounded  on the government’s cut to the Respite Care Grant.

Fianna Fail’s Willie O’ Dea called it "cruel, callous and beyond the bounds of decency".

While Independent TD, Finian McGrath said carers should not be hit – because they are already saving the State millions of euro.