Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Does the Tánaiste agree that we have the resources to ensure that no child has to live with deprivation? Would she use her office to impress upon her colleagues the importance of ensuring that child benefit is raised to the level her Government had set as a target for this current year? That target is €149 per month for the first and second child. Will she also address the issue of child dependant allowance? This has effectively decreased by 25% since it was frozen in 1994 and there is again no increase in the current year.

The Tánaiste must be aware that the Community Workers Co-operative described cutting of its funding by the Government as nothing less than a sinister move designed to silence an effective voice against poverty and inequality. What is the rationale for cutting this important funding to this group, which is working with the marginalised? I appeal to the Tánaiste to employ her influence to have this funding restored.

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