John Kelly (Labour) | Oireachtas source

The only power this House has is the power to delay the budget three months. The House could delay it until April, but then instead of a family of four having ¤58 a month taken from child benefit in January, February, March and April, ¤232 could be taken from their child benefit in April. We would see then whether they would thank the House for the delay in implementing the budget.

I never wanted to see a cut to child benefit, but we need to find a fairer and more equal way of delivering it. Certainly, we should take it from the people who do not need it, those who use it for foreign holidays, and give it to those who are struggling. This is something we need to consider for the future.