The Government's proposing to cut child benefit by €10 a month - and reduce the carers' Respite Grant by €325 a year. 

The first stage of the Social Welfare Bill was passed in the Dail last night - with the support of all government TDs.

Speaking during the debate, the Taoiseach Enda Kenny paid tribute to the Irish people for all the sacrifices they've made to get the country back on its feet: