Kenny to consider means tests for benefits

Enda Kenny has refused to rule out means testing child benefit and cutting free electricity, phones, and travel for pensioners.

The move came as the EU accused ministers of “hiding behind” the troika and using it as a “scapegoat” to push forward such deeply unpopular measures.

Plans to slash pensioner entitlement and child benefit costs to the State by means testing them were floated in a document put together by European Commission staff working on the bailout in consultation with the Government.