Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the small increase in child benefit. The briefing provided by the Department in respect of the Bill indicates that Ireland has the fifth highest rate of fifth highest rate of child benefit in Europe. The payment here is €140 per month, whereas the rate paid immediately across the water is €29 per month. That is a huge benefit for people who have children. When I had a young family, people welcomed their child benefit at the end of the month and put it towards the little things they could not otherwise afford or used it to pay a bit extra off the ESB bill or gas bill. It is hugely important for children to get additional benefits from the payment of child benefit. In the long run, it will benefit those who are poorer. I hope whatever Government is in place after the forthcoming election will consider another increase in child benefit because it is most beneficial to families, in particular those with very young children.