Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. Aontaím leis.

Child benefit already plays a vital role, but recent estimates are that between 150,000 to 230,000 children are experiencing poverty and we now have clear evidence that a large number of families are still being left behind by this threshold. There is a major impact on these families. They are still working hard, but they are struggling with the cost of living.

Will the Department examine a second tier payment for low- and middle-income families? Once one factors in rent and the extra costs that come with raising a child with any additional needs, it becomes clear that income alone is not the full picture. We are seeing a real squeeze on households that do not qualify for means-tested supports but are far from financially secure. A second tier of child benefit would go directly to where the pressure was most intense and help to close the gap in a fair and targeted way.

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