Fine Gael to slash Child Benefit Payments – O’Brien

Date: 21/02/2011
Posted by: Darragh

A Fine Gael government will slash child benefit if elected leaving a Dublin family of four Dublin €252 worse off next year said Dublin North Fianna Fáil TD Darragh O’Brien. Under the Fine Gael proposals a family with two children will receive €21 less every month with higher deductions for those with larger families.

“Fine Gael are planning to slash funding for child benefit by 7.5%. Child benefit is one of the most important benefits provided by the state and is a significant contribution to weekly household bills. Fine Gael cuts mean that a family of two children will receive €21 less per month, which amounts to €252 per year. This is a disaster for families who rely on this and other government support,” said Deputy O’Brien.

“As well a reduction in the overall child benefit budget, Enda Kenny plans the wholesale reallocation of child benefit payments which will see cuts targeted specifically at working families. These changes will hit these families hard as they struggle to meet outgoings,” he added.

The effect of a reduction in child benefits will be compounded by planned Fine Gael cuts in welfare payments.

“Fine Gael also plans to cut welfare payments by as much as €520 per annum. These cuts and the planned reduction in child benefits payments will spell disaster for many families who currently rely on these benefits,” Deputy O’Brien concluded.