Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 93: To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the issues in relation to the imposition of means testing for child benefit or making it subject to taxation; if so, what are these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18963/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 103: To ask the Minister for Finance his plans for child benefit payments; the legal obstacles which exist in relation to his plans; the savings he expected to make as a result of such changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19106/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 103 together.

The position in relation to Child Benefit is as set out in my Supplementary Budget on 7 April 2009. The Government does not believe that it is fair to pay the same level of benefit irrespective of the level of income of the recipient. In times of scarce resources the Government believes support should be targeted at those most in need. My Department, together with the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners are considering how best to achieve this policy objective, which includes consideration of any legal issues that may exist. The tax treatment of child benefit is also being considered by the Commission on Taxation. I will be informed by its proposals on this matter.

The saving expected from taxing or means testing child benefit would depend on the scheme selected. However, preliminary analysis would indicate that savings in the region of €400 million in a full year could be achieved.