Lenihan brands FG ‘racists’ in row over childcare benefits

CHILDREN’S Minister Brian Lenihan last night branded Fine Gael “racists” for saying EU workers in Ireland will claim €150 million a year in childcare benefits — even if their dependants remain abroad.

The ugly political row erupted as the opposition accused ministers of negligence in not realising the €1,000-a-year child minding supplement unveiled in last month's Budget could be collected for children living outside the State.

Mr Lenihan said Fine Gael was "playing the race card" and the Government had already factored-in the take-up of benefits by EU nationals here.