Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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81. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the efforts that are being taken to protect children from entering poverty in view of inflation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17047/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Government recognised the challenges of rising prices last October in Budget 2022 when we brought in a package of tax and social welfare measures worth over €1 billion. Last month, the Government agreed a further package of €505 million, including the €200 energy credit and a lump sum payment of €125 for those in receipt of the fuel allowance.

Budget 2022 included a number of measures specifically targeted at families with children. I increased the rates for a qualified child aged under 12 by €2 to €40 per week, and for a qualified child aged 12 or older by €3 to €48 per week, from January. I increased the level of the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance by €10 to €160 for each child aged 4 to 11 years and to €285 for each child aged 12 and over. I also equalised the income limits for one and two parent households, thereby making it easier for lone parents to qualify for that payment.

Budget 2022 also provided for a €10 weekly increase in the income limits for Working Family Payment, and I am pleased that this will now come into effect from April, 2022 as part of the Government's response to cost of living increases.