Call for Government to scrap plans for ‘tax on childbirth’

Government plans to tax maternity benefit have been branded the “nastiest” part of the budget and effectively a “tax on childbirth”.

The taxation measure, which takes effect in July, was declared anti-women and anti-family by Fianna Fáil.

The claims were made as members of the coalition parties also sought changes to the Finance Bill and budget measures planned for 2013.