There have been several protests in relation to cuts announced in Budget 2013.

Carers have staged two protests since the cut to the respite care grants was made.

However this passed through the first stage of the Dáil last night. The Social Welfare Bill got the support of all government TDs.

It will introduce a €10 cut per month to child benefit and an annual cut of €325 to the carer's respite grant. 

The remaining stages of the bill will be rushed through the Dáil today. 

The Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has defended the decision by his party to support the measures.

He insisted the budget was necessary and fair, and had taxes imposed on those who could afford it.