Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

I do not think anyone would deny that there have been improvements in general children's payments, but I asked the Minister a question about those children who are the poorest of the poor — the 340,000 children who are dependent on the qualified child payment. The sum total of this payment is €22 per week. The parents of these children are entirely dependent on social welfare income. What is the Minister's intention in respect of that meagre payment? There is a clamour to have this payment increased to at least €30 this year in order to lift these children, a third of a million, out of poverty. Is the Minister committed to this action?

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