Campaigners criticise plan to tax child benefit

CAMPAIGNERS say proposals to tax child benefit could force families into poverty and that the Government should instead target tax breaks for the rich.

Social Protection Minister Joan Burton has been told that a tax across the board on the €2.1 billion spend on child benefit next year could see the Government take in €300 million.

As revealed in the Irish Examiner yesterday, the measure being considered by Ms Burton could be frustrated by legal challenges and problems in assessing families for the tax. The move is being considered by a special advisory group looking at taxation and social welfare, which is set to make recommendations to the minister next month ahead of the budget.