Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 351: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will respond to a query from a person (details supplied). [24487/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, it has been necessary for the Government to take steps to reduce overall public expenditure in order to restore order and stability in the public finances. This has involved reviewing all public expenditure programmes, including social welfare programmes, which at some €21.3 billion in 2009 form a substantial portion of overall public expenditure. The rates of child benefit have increased significantly since 2001 having trebled for the first two children and increased by over 185% for the third and subsequent children. Expenditure on child benefit grew from just under €965 million in 2001 to nearly €2.5 billion in 2008 as a result of the increase in rates and growth in the number of eligible children.

In the Supplementary Budget, the Minister for Finance signalled the Government's intention to either means test child benefit or to subject it to income tax from 2010. The issues in both options, which are considerable, are being examined by my Department, the Department of Finance and Revenue. The Commission on Taxation is also considering the issues underlying taxation of child benefit and their findings will inform any decisions in relation to this matter.