Angry reaction to child benefit cuts

FAMILY support groups reacted angrily last night at the cut to child benefit which will mean a €16 fall in monthly payments per child.

The National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI), which had led a coalition of interest groups against the expected reduction, said the cuts meant mothers would have the bear the brunt of the budgetary measures at a time when childcare costs continue to rise.

Other groups also criticised the move, although the Government said social welfare recipients would be protected from the cuts, which will mean child benefit payments returning to 2006 levels. From January 1 next year, the payments will be €150 per child for first and second child and €187 per child for third and subsequent children.