Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

This issue has been used appallingly and with racist undertones by various groupings opposed to Europe and migration. I am concerned such an approach has become pervasive in our society. All politicians have heard those claims on the airwaves and elsewhere that billions in euro are paid out in social welfare payments to children not residing in the State when it is actually only €15 million. As Deputy Ó Snodaigh pointed out, the cost is being further reduced because of returning EU nationals to their home states. This benefit is not a huge drain on the social welfare budget and its provision and cost should not be blown out of proportion.

Changes to the benefit and its rate would require negotiations with all 27 EU member states. The first key point that will be made in such discussions will be that Ireland should reduce its child benefit rates anyway. Due to our dependence on EU funding and support for broader Government spending, such discussions could also open up a Pandora's box in other areas.

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