Taoiseach gives positive update on plans to introduce second tier of child benefit

The Taoiseach has given a further update on the second tier of child benefit

Speaking at the Child Poverty Summit at Aviva Stadium, the Taoiseach said reducing child poverty is their priority.

He stated, "I had discussions last evening with the Minister for Social Protection and his officials. We will do something on that or equivalent to that.

"There are complexities in terms of getting such a system up in place, so we don’t want anyone to lose out.

"There’s a set of existing payments that are beneficial to children and vulnerable families in vulnerable situations, so there is a bit of work to be done in terms of devising a new system.

"But to all intents and purposes, that’s the kind of direction we want to go down," he added.

The Taoiseach stressed that reducing child poverty is a priority. He also said that the Government hopes to solve this in the coming years.

"The key objective is to reduce child poverty over the next number of years. The first manifestation of our efforts there will be the forthcoming Budget.

“I’ve had meetings with ministers already emphasising the need to prioritise the reduction of child poverty.”

His comments come after Simon Harris also agreed that a second tier of child benefit was needed.

Speaking about the calls to introduce a €285 child benefit payment, Harris said he is a “signed-up believer” in introducing a second tier of child benefit.

“I’ve listened to the likes of the Children’s Rights Alliance and I’m a believer that this is a good way of lifting children out of poverty.”