Means testing Child Benefit is not being considered by Government – Minister Doherty
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
The Employment Affairs and Social Protection Minister, Regina Doherty, T.D., has confirmed today that means testing Child Benefit is not being considered by Government.
Minister Doherty said: “I do not intend introducing a means-test for Child Benefit. Means testing Child Benefit is not being considered by Government, and is not in the Programme for Government.
“As Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, I support the universality of the Child Benefit payment, and the principle that all families with children should receive this income support.
“Government policy on childcare supports is to provide assistance for parents and their children through improved services rather than increased cash transfers alone. Our measures include free early years education through the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme, which is now for two years.
“My Department also administers Maternity Benefit, Paternity Benefit and Adoptive Benefit payments, which provide income support to parents during the period following the birth of a child. Low income households with children are also supported through the Department’s Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance scheme.
“I am continuing to work with my colleagues in Government to introduce one year of shared paid parental leave. In Budget 2018, the Government provided for an increase in income supports that directly links with household income, such as Qualified Child increases.”
Other examples of targeted income supports for families with children: