THE National Women's
Council of Ireland has called on the Goverment to
abandon any plans to cut, means test or tax Child
Benefit.
The group which represents a wide range of women's
organisations including Inishowen Women's Outreach,
has just published a briefing paper on Child Benefit
entitled, ‘All Our Children’. In it they describe
how the benefit, which is the only payment that goes
directly to the mother, is used "for a myriad of
costs in relation to children – food, clothing,
school books, uniforms and childcare".
"While cuts of any kind to Child Benefit will
primarily hurt families on low incomes, the NWCI
outlines in its briefing paper why it must be
maintained as a universal payment to all families.
Child Benefit is the only payment that goes directly
to the mother," explained NWCI Head of Policy, Orla
O’Connor.
It is as yet unclear what changes the Government
plans in relation to Child Benefit in the next
Budget although a flat rate cut, means testing and
taxation are among the options.
A survey conducted by the NWCI among its membership
showed that 66% of respondents viewed Child Benefit
as a ‘critical part’ of current family income.
The National Women’s Council of Ireland represents a
broad range of women’s groups with around 400,000
members.
Ms O'Connor said families were already being hit
"from all sides", by redundancies, reduced pay at
work and no opportunity to put money by for
Christmas or family emergencies.
She said the NWCI was committed to resisting any
reduction the benefit.
"In the absence of Government subsidies to pay for
childcare and given the abolition of the Early Years
Payment, Child Benefit is now also the only payment
to assist parents with childcare costs.
"Depending on where you are in the country this may
range from €800 to €1,000 per month. It must also be
noted that despite a current deflationary economic
environment, childcare costs have risen by 6.7%." |
