David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 333: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, further to Parliamentary Question No. 416 of 26 June 2007, the date in which the National Economic and Social Council was asked to examine the feasibility of merging the family income supplement with qualified child increases and possibly including other child supports such as the back to school clothing and footwear scheme resulting in a single second tier child income support; if he has received communication from NESC to indicate when this feasibility study will be completed; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18757/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Since 2004, when the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) was asked to examine the feasibility of merging the family income supplement with qualified child increases and possibly including other child supports such as the back to school clothing and footwear allowance, there have been significant improvements in the area of child income supports to low-income families, many of which were outlined in my previous reply.

In addition, annual child benefit increases and the introduction of the early childcare supplement in 2006 in respect of all children up to six years of age have increased the overall level of child income support to all qualifying families, and proportionately more in the case of low-income families.

NESC is continuing its examination in the light of recent improvements in the area of child income support and its final report will take account of these changes. The report, when received, will assist in future deliberations in this area.