Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

When I was asked about the Mangan report at the Institute of International and European Affairs, IIEA, conference, I said that I would be open to reading it and considering its contents. I have never read it but would not be arrogant enough not to see the value in examining something. The Government and I have no plans to means test. It is probably with good reason that the Mangan report was not acted upon when it was given to the then Minister for Social Protection in 2013. I am reading it, but only out of curiosity, not out of intent or will to make specific changes.

To help prevent child poverty, particularly through the payment's universality, my Department will ensure that child benefit remains as is and we increase the spread of the working family payment. Last year, I started increasing children-specific qualified benefits. It was the first such increase in eight years. With everyone's co-operation, I hope to be able to do so again this year. Next week, we will announce the back to school and clothing allowances for 2018. My Department handles a myriad of supports for families with children. I would like to see us collectively extending those so as to ensure that such families are supported financially where they are not in a position to look after themselves.

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