Child benefit lead target of €1bn cuts in welfare budget

CHILD benefit cuts are to head a €1 billion-plus slashing of the welfare budget, Social and Family Affairs Minister Mary Hanafin has signalled.

Ms Hanafin said the McCarthy report had recommended “very severe cuts” as she pledged to try and protect the most vulnerable.

Ms Hanafin indicated the €1.84bn in cuts outlined by the government-commissioned study would not go ahead in full, but it was “impossible” to make a real impact in spending without targeting those on benefits.