Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am not sure the Deputy's final point is correct. On the issue of whether a child attends school or receives home schooling, the Constitution provides that parents have a significant role in decisions regarding their children. The legislation must reflect the constitutional rights of all citizens.

The good news I have for the Deputy is that the troika left town some time ago. I note a spokesperson for the International Monetary Fund, one of the members of the troika, commented recently on child benefit. There are differences of opinion on this payment. For instance, in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, child benefit is not paid to any family with an income in excess of £65,000 and, where it is paid, it may be clawed back in tax reductions. I believe in a universal child benefit payment. All of the studies on poverty and so forth show it is highly effective in ensuring that the money goes to the caring parent, which is of most benefit to the child.

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