Government breaks Child Benefit promise for women and children?

Published: Sunday, November 20, 2011

Press Release

The intention to cut Child Benefit by at least €10 per month in Budget 2012, is deplorable stated Orla O'Connor, Head of Policy, National Women's Council of Ireland. Child Benefit has now been cut in three successive Budgets and it is the only payment that parents have for all costs in relation to children. It has become the easy target for Government despite their specific promises before the election to protect the payment from further cuts.

The National Women's Council has called in its Pre Budget submission 2012 to maintain the current payment levels of Child Benefit and to preserve it as universal payment for all children.

'The impact of the recession on families has increased the significance of Child Benefit to women and children as a contribution to the costs of raising children, including food, clothing, education and childcare costs. €140 per month is a meagre sum to meet those costs and any further erosion of the payment will lead to further hardship and poverty for many families' stated Ms O'Connor

Contact Orla O'Connor, Head of Policy - 0876483516