Burton hints at increase in child benefit

The Tánaiste is looking to increase child benefit again in October's budget.

Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton said she would like to see a similar hike to that introduced last year, which was worth €5 a month.

The Labour leader also told The Irish Times she wants to take about 40,000 workers out of the USC tax net, by changing the entry point for the charge.

Her comments come ahead of changes to lone parent payments that are due to take effect on Thursday.