National Youth Council: Budget fails children

The Budget 2008 has yielded disappointing results in housing, health and income supports for children and young people according to the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI).

The NYCI believes that this budget does very little for young people living in the private rental sector who are struggling to pay spiralling rents which have increased by up to 10% in the last year alone.

The increase in rent tax relief of €40 per annum for single people under 55, which is only €0.77c per week, will make very little difference to the financial pressures they face.

However, the group welcomes the increase in mortgage interest relief which will assist many first time buyers dealing with the burden of increasing mortgage repayments.

"The failure to implement the commitments in the Programme for Government to double the income threshold limits for the full medical card for parents of children under six, will leave many families with no or limited access to healthcare.

"Deferring this issue for another year under the guise of a review is a cynical tactic and is playing politics with the health of children.

"For the 1-in-9 children living in consistent poverty in Ireland, this Budget fails to deal with their needs.

But, the group said there was no significant investment for children living in poverty, with the Child Dependent Allowance only being increased by 'a miserly' €2 per week.

"While we acknowledge the increase in Child Benefit, this has only been increased in line with the rate of inflation.

James Doorley, Assistant Director of NYCI said: "The Tánaiste stated that this budget would protect the vulnerable in our society, but with regards to children and young people living in low income households there is little evidence to back up that claim.

By failing to make an investment in these important areas, Government is ignoring the needs of a significant section of our society."