Government defends idea to link child benefit to school attendance
Communications Minister Denis Naughten yesterday appeared to backtrack on previous statements in which he said the payment should be stopped from parents who fail to send their children to school after being put under pressure not to go ahead with the proposals.
The proposal sparked anger among opposition TDs, children’s organisations, and charities, who believe the measure would only hurt the poorest in society. Mr Naughten and Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe moved to clarify the situation after the proposals were described as “unfair” and “ridiculous”.
