Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

At the launch of Labour Party policy on 23 February 2011 it was stated child benefit was often the lifeline which helped to keep food on the table and the house warm and that any further cut would create a genuine crisis.

Despite these clear, definitive and unambiguous words, the basis on which many voted for the Minister's party in the general election, in last year's budget she imposed cuts. As she is aware, some of the cuts extend over a two year period and some have yet to take effect. People will move into 2013 with a cut already due as a result of the provisions included in last year's budget. I ask this question in response to a significant campaign and a considerable number of requests I have received from constituents and further afield. Does the Minister intend to impose more cuts on top of those already imposed?

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