Budget u-turn as December newborns to be eligible for €420 'baby boost'

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys said she had been contacted by expectant parents due in December

TDs had raised concern that children born in December would miss out on the double child benefit payments in November and December, as well as the 'baby boost'.

The Government has performed a u-turn on a key budget measure, just over 24 hours after it was announced.

TDs had raised concern that children born in December would miss out on the double child benefit payments in November and December, as well as the "baby boost" which will see the first child benefit payment paid at a rate of €420 instead of €140.