While a targeted second child welfare payment would be effective in reducing child poverty, it’s of paramount importance that its implementation is subject to in-depth planning, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly.
Deputy Farrelly said:
“I was struck to hear yesterday that the Taoiseach is not ruling out a two-tier child benefit system in advance of the Budget, given I put this issue directly to the Minister for Children on Thursday at the Children’s Committee.
“It’s good to know that the work of the committee and its contributions are taken into account by the Minister in terms of influencing legislation at Cabinet.
“In response to my question, the Minister neither ruled out nor spoke in support of a two-tier system – I believe a second targeted second child welfare payment for those who need it would be a powerful tool in reducing child poverty.
“The Department must now commit to this consideration and design a pathway towards its introduction so that we can trust that this isn’t simply a kite-flying exercise for the government.
“The Minister’s time in the Department of Education was pockmarked by projects and initiatives which lost their way en route to implementation – the same mistakes must not be made this time round.
“The necessary planning and infrastructure must be put in place before a promise is made to struggling families – the introduction of this scheme must be brought before the Children’s Committee, where a pathway can be designed and scrutinised by members and experts alike, such as specialists from the ESRI and the Children’s Rights Alliance.
“I’ll be writing to the Chair of the committee to ensure this issue is discussed at the nearest possible convenience, and that stakeholders are invited to provide guidance and professional opinion.
“Last week, the latest Child Poverty Monitor report published by the Children’s Rights Alliance confirmed that the number of children in consistent poverty in Ireland almost doubled to 102,977 in 2024 – a staggering rise of 45,107 on the previous year.
“The government shouldn’t make promises on child poverty without showing that they’ve a roadmap to achieve its reduction – the consideration of a two-tier child benefit system must be brought before the Children’s Committee as soon as possible.”
June 17th, 2025