Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

In the context of the need to make savings, the decision in this regard was difficult. All such decisions are difficult. However, the scheme will still cater for the needs of children in the age category — from birth to five and a half years of age — at which it is targeted. These children are of preschool age. Payment will no longer be made in respect of the couple of months before they are born or the six months after they reach five and a half years of age. All cuts are difficult but the payment will still be made to those in the target group.

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