Leo Varadkar warns against hopes for a reversal of cuts to a back-to-school support payment

Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar has said it is the responsibility of parents to rear their children rather than taxpayers as he warned against hopes for a reversal of cuts to a back-to-school support payment.

His comments came after children’s charity Barnardos urged a gradual restoration of the full Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, which was cut during the recession.

Asked if the previous rate would be restored, he said the allowance for low- income families was paid in addition to child benefit payments of €1,600 a year.