“It is a myth that only those on low income really ‘need’ the payment,”
MEANS testing for child benefit will take the payment from middle income families who are relying on it to maintain a basic quality of life for their children. “Reports that the IMF want the Government to introduce means testing for child benefit and the failure of Government to move quickly to rule it out are worrying,” says Deputy Willie O’Dea, FF spokesperson on Social Protection.
“It is a myth that only those on low income really ‘need’ the payment,” he says.
“Many average income families that are tied into crippling mortgage repayments need all the help they can get and depriving them of the child benefit is a step too far for these families who have already borne much of the pain in attempts to correct the national finances.
The deputy said that cuts to disability payments, children’s allowance, the domiciliary care allowance, the one parent family payment and community employment schemes have all impacted on those most in need of support, while at the same time there was little or no impact on sections of society more able to bear the burden. “By means testing child benefit the Government would essentially be attacking the lower and middle income families and while there is a case to be made for ending the automatic entitlement to child benefit for those on very high incomes, I would urge Minister Joan Burton to think long and hard before attempting to introduce means testing.
“As a senior Labour Party politician, Minister Burton knows well her party made promises not to touch child benefit in any wayy.”
