Child benefit still a target

FINANCE Minister Brian Lenihan said the Government is “determined” to overcome technical issues and end universal access to the full children’s allowance.

He said he wanted the weekly payment to be targeted at those who need it most. To ensure this happened he reiterated his plan to either tax the allowance or means test those entitled to it.

Either choice would end the tradition of paying an equal benefit to every child in the country regardless of their parents’ circumstances.