Child payment rise ‘an absolute insult’ to parents

MINISCULE increases in child benefit payments are an insult to parents and the children they are designed to help, chairwoman of the National Women’s Council of Ireland Mary Kelly said last night.

"Giving a 6 and 8 increase in the amount paid in child benefit is an absolute insult and shows this Government has no interest in supporting children. This is the only payment for many children that stands between them and poverty. When you factor in all of the increases in fuel, food, and rent or mortgages, the increase is quickly eroded," she said.

"This increase will not act as a buffer between children and poverty and will certainly do nothing to help parents pay for childcare," she added.