Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, the increase in the working family payment income threshold for a family with one, two, or three children in recent budgets is a targeted measure benefiting the majority of low-income families who are in receipt of the working family payment. As of June, this cohort represented 86% of all working family payment recipient households. The Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025 contains a commitment to instituting a review of the earnings thresholds used to qualify for in-work income supports for families on low incomes.

It is envisaged that the next review of the income thresholds for working family payments will consider increases for larger families. This proposal can be also taken into consideration in the development of policy proposals for next year's budget.

I am disappointed the Deputies are using words like "discrimination". There is no discrimination here. We are not trying to discriminate against anybody. I have absolutely nothing against families with three or more children. In fact, I am from a family of three myself.

See this speech in context