Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Briefly, I want to first compliment the Minister on targeting children. One thing she has done since she became Minister is target schemes and found funding, particularly for families who are in great difficulty. I must compliment her on that. Like the two previous speakers, however, I would like her to look, as she said she would, at ways and means, even if this did not mean extending it to 22 years of age. I refer in particular to families who are paying very high rents for accommodation for their children. These families are working and are being squeezed in every corner. They are paying for the third-level fees and for the rent. The big problem is that the only State payment they get is child benefit. It is something the Minister should look at because she has done very well, particularly in the area of targeted schemes for children and families with children. It would be worth looking at this during the budget process to try to help families in any way, particularly the squeezed middle. We talk about them and we want to support and help them. They should be supported.

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