One could argue the toss about different elements of the budget but immediately the cut to the respite care grand looked out of place, to me anyhow. It seems indefensible.
Given that it saves only €26 million out of a €3.5 billion adjustment I wonder was it intended to take the spotlight off other measures and give the media, twitchy backbenchers and the opposition a bone to chew on . . with the ultimate intention to scrap it before Christmas therefore demonstrating how they listen and are empathetic while doling out a little Christmas hollow victory to all those opposed to it? Could they be that calculating?