Age Action, The Carers Association, Barnados, St Vincent de Paul, and the Childrens Rights Alliance are among 30 organisations attending a pre-Budget forum today (Oct 8th) in Dublin.

The groups will outline their concerns about possible budget cuts to the Minister for Social Protection Eamon O Cuiv.

The Carers Association will appeal to the Minister not to make any reduction to existing allowances and grants for family carers.

Chief Executive Enda Egan said carers "keep the health service afloat" by working a combined total of three million hours every week.

Source: www.examiner.ie