The following correspondence is genuine and verified.

Emphasis added.

________________________________________

From: Michael Noonan <michael.noonan@oireachtas.ie>

Date: Wed, Dec 22, 2010 at 2:37 PM

Subject: Re: carers allowance

To: ————

Dear ———–,

Many thanks for taking the time to email me. As you may know, on Friday 3 December, Fine Gael published our budget alternative which presented a fair way to reduce the deficit while protecting vulnerable families. In doing this, Fine Gael made a specific commitment to protect the rates of payment to people with disabilities as well as carers, widows and the blind.

We believe that the Government has utterly failed to protect the vulnerable in Budget 2011 and has instead targeted those with the lowest incomes in society. Fine Gael voted against the Social Welfare Bill 2010 on the basis that it targets the most vulnerable welfare claimants. Regrettably, this Bill has now being [sic] passed by both the Dáil and Seanad because Fianna Fail, Green and Independent TDs and Senators voted in favour of these unjust cuts.

Please be assured that in Government Fine Gael will protect the most vulnerable.

With best wishes,

Michael Noonan TD

Fine Gael Spokesperson on Finance