Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

I am sure the Deputy will understand I am not in a position to outline the budget today - that will be in October. I have made it very clear since my appointment - and I have spoken to the Minister for Social Protection - that child poverty is a key priority of Government. I have asked for specific proposals in relation to it in the forthcoming budget. I said yesterday that nothing is off the table. Obviously, it must be considered in the broader public expenditure limits that will be set and envelope for the budget but I am determined to target resources at those children who are most vulnerable so we can lift children in those circumstances out of poverty.

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