Government is clearly not serious about ending child poverty
The Qualified Child Increase of €2 announced in yesterday’s budget has been described as shamefully inadequate by Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon.
Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s spokesperson on Social Protection, said:
“This miserly increase is an insult to vulnerable families and proves that this Government is not serious about ending the scandal of child poverty.
“The €2 increase per child must be seen in the context of an €11 billion giveaway budget, which saw generous tax concessions for the better-off and universal energy supports for all income brackets, including higher earners.
“The Children’s Rights Alliance had urged the Government to invest in the Qualified Child Increase, which it said would have been a crucial intervention. They point out that the €2 increase falls short of what is required and will not be enough to support children or families on the brink of poverty.
“The Social Democrats’ alternative budget had proposed an additional €7 for children under 12 and an extra €12 for teenagers, bringing the weekly amounts to €47 and €60 per week respectively.
“Research from the ESRI shows that the Working Family Payment and Qualified Child Increase contribute most to poverty reduction. It is unfortunate the Government did not take this into account in Budget 2023.”
September 28, 2022