Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Everything with the Department of public expenditure is hard in terms of negotiations. I agree with the Deputy that this is an important payment at what is a happy time, but which can also be a stressful time in terms of a new arrival. It can also be an expensive time. It is important that we support families and give them the best start at the very start. My Department is certainly committed to doing that. We will continue to support this and other supports available for parents at this time. Now that it is there, I do not see any circumstances where it would be removed. It is a statement of intent on the part of the State to support newborns and parents at a time they are under a lot of pressure. It was also designed to ensure that there would be minimal administrative pressure on parents. That is a reflection that we understand the pressure people are under. We want to get payments and support to them with as little burden on them as possible at a time their time is under so much pressure.

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