Pearse Doherty (Sinn Fein)

I move amendment No. 10:

In page 11, lines 24 to 48 and in page 12, lines 1 to 10, to delete paragraph (c).

The amendment deals with child benefit as outlined in page 11 of the Bill. We are especially concerned about low income families with teenage children in education. The Bill proposes to remove their only form of support while they continue their education. As the Minister well knows from her previous portfolio there are many families with teenage children in education and many low income families with children who are still in second level education at 18 years of age who rely on child benefit while their children do their leaving certificate. We feel strongly on this point and look forward to the Minister clarifying the section.