Andrews: 'Hard to justify' child benefit for high earners

The Children's Minister Barry Andrews is refusing to rule out cuts in child benefit, similar to those being introduced in the UK.

The British Government has announced today that child benefit will be withdrawn from parents if one of them earns £44,000 or more.

It will come into effect in the UK from 2013.

Mr Andrews said changes to Ireland's child benefit system need to be looked at.

He said: "It's very difficult to justify a system where people on high incomes are receiving transfer payments from the State at a time of fiscal austerity."