Mark Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

I thank the Minister and his officials for attending the committee. I have a number of questions. My first is about yesterday's report on child poverty, which must concern us all in this committee. The ESRI has a report out in the newspapers this morning looking for a second-tier payment for child benefit, which it reckons would cost approximately €800 million a year. Is the Department planning an additional payment for targeted measures for child benefit?

On the bereaved partners contributory pension that we discussed, where is that at the moment? What financial resources have been put aside to deal with it? Have there been many applications?

I note in the reports we got that the back to education allowance is falling, with a €3 million saving in 2025. That is a concern. Does the Department know why the back to education allowance is down €3 million 2025?

On the carer's allowance, the old chestnut is the means test. What plans are there for getting rid of it? Will the Department confirm where it is at with getting rid of the means test?

My other question is about school meals. An additional €120 million was allocated for this year. Does the Minister know how many primary schools have not taken up hot school meals? Will there be an unspent amount of that €120 million allocation?