Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I will take the Minister's word that the package will be completed next year. We will watch to ensure it is completed. I will support, or at least look favourably on, any proposal the Minister might bring forward to help children of lower-income families. The Minister will receive widespread support because we all accept that children are still living in poverty. While child benefit does not discriminate, it is given to every family regardless of their income. The child dependant allowance has not been increased although it could have been used in recent years as a vehicle to help those in the lower-income bracket. I note the Minister's comments and look forward to any proposals that will help take thousands of children out of the poverty trap in which they find themselves. This area needs to be tackled and I will commend the Minister if he manages to do so.