Michael Brennan (Progressive Democrats)

The NESC, with which I held a recent meeting, has examined the issue of a second tier payment for some time and its work is ongoing. It is one response to child poverty but, as was stated earlier, it is not the only response. I am determined to press ahead and complete this work with the NESC and see if the second tier payment can be introduced.

The child care package introduced this year has complicated the picture because it is another tier of child payments. I must give considerable thought to how this second tier will work because it will be another column under which money will be paid for children. I must expend more thought on the matter. I will work with the NESC in respect of this issue between now and the next budget.