PACUB condemns proposed third cut to child benefit
Children are under attack again. Budget proposals show that the new Government may abandon election promises to protect current levels of child benefit and continue to slash supports for families.
Did children cause the recession? You would think so.
Remember the Early Childcare Supplement? That was the first to go.
PACUB campaigned against cuts to Child Benefit in 2009 and we warned that if the Government cut it once, they would cut it again. And sadly we were proved right.
Since 2009 a working family with two children under 5 has lost €2,624 a year, at a time when bills are going up and incomes are going down. Now they may face further cuts of €240.
“It is criminal that this Government which promised so much is to target children once again,” says PACUB spokeswoman Niamh Kelly. “All the proposed savings are to essential services and benefits that support families. There has been no mention of removing reliefs or increasing taxes on the wealthy. Instead we are constantly told that the Government has to choose. And the choices are always unpleasant. Cut child benefit or cut the old age pension? Charge for medical cards or make more SNA's redundant? Close nursing homes or close hospital beds? It is pitting one group in need against another, while the wealthy remain above it all.
“Once again we hear Government Ministers vowing to 'protect the most vulnerable'. Cutting child benefit is NOT protecting the most vulnerable. It is damning more children to poor food, cold homes and a cheerless Christmas.”
Protest by contacting TDs, Senators and MEPs. This can be easily done using the website contact.ie. Or by signing the petition from Barnardos.
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