IMF proposal on child benefit 'victimising children'

Means testing child benefit would not be a fair way of making savings in the Irish economy, according to Social Justice Ireland.

The group is accusing the IMF of targeting children, after it recommended this week that child benefit and the medical card be means tested in its latest overview of the Irish economy.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan said this was just a suggestion by the IMF and is not guaranteed to be included in December's Budget.

Doctor Sean Healy of Social Justice Ireland said means testing child benefit would victimise children.

Dr Healy said: "Ireland makes only a small contribution to its children, this should not be reduced by means testing or taxing child benefit.

"There are many other fair and just ways of ensuring that Ireland can reduce the level of its borrowing without victimising children.

"We believe that the IMF, when it is making proposals, should make sure that the proposals that it makes are fair and just."