If parents aren’t happy with child benefit payments 'they can give it back'

Heather Humphreys: 'If people don’t need it, they can give it back, but I don’t think that’s the case. Most people I know do need it and are glad to get it.' Picture: Sam Boal/Collins Photo

The Minister for Social Protection has hailed the largest welfare package in the State’s history, and said that if parents aren’t happy with the double-double child benefit payment “they can give it back”.

The €2.6bn bumper package includes across-the-board increases to welfare payments of at least €12, lump sums for working families and carers, and the promise that hot school meals will roll out for all primary schools by the end of next year.