Mark Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

I thank the witnesses from the ESRI very much for coming in. Unfortunately, we have to use statistics and percentages even though we are talking about children, and obviously one child in poverty is one child too many. I know the witnesses would accept this point too. Regarding what was put before us today in respect of there being a cost of €773 million for a second tier of child benefit, that is to be means-tested, according to what the witnesses told us, so could they break down that means test for us? Where would it start and finish and how many people would that €773 million assist?

Turning to the statutory targets, and I am returning to the statistics, should we have statutory targets here like those that exist in Scotland and other countries? I know the witnesses said they are only looking at other countries now, but a lot of emphasis seems to be being placed on this aspect in other countries now. In Ireland, however, we do not seem to have statutory legislation on child poverty. I would like to get the witnesses' opinions on this point.

Going back to the means test, if it was introduced, does the ESRI think there will be a significant reduction in child poverty? I ask this question given it was said that the rate would go from 13.9% to 27% without the existing child benefit. I am again using percentages, unfortunately, but this is what we must use. If the second tier of child benefit was introduced for a cost of €773 million, by what percentage does the ESRI think we could reduce child poverty?