Flynn slams any potential government cuts on child benefit

Flynn slams any potential government cuts on child benefit


FIANNA Fáil TD for Mayo Beverley Flynn has issued a pre-emptive warning against any potential government cuts to child benefit.
The government TD has warned that such cutbacks would be a bridge too far.
“Child benefit is not a luxury, and any move to taxing or means testing it would be completely unacceptable. Mothers need child benefit now more than ever.
“Child benefit is a critical part of family income at this time. It is the only payment which goes automatically to the mother of the family. It should not and cannot be interfered with in any way.
She added that child benefit must remain a universal payment and must not be subject to tax or means testing.
“Families at the present time are being hit by redundancies, reduced earnings, short time working and loss of overtime. There is no opportunity to put a little aside for Christmas, for emergencies, or for those unplanned costs which crop up in every family when least prepared.
“Child benefit is critical to the cost of rearing children. It is often the difference between being able to afford the essentials and going on the breadline. To tax or means test it is simply not acceptable and would be completely unjust to families who are already struggling with reduced earnings and increasing costs “