The Government – and particularly Taoiseach Micheál Martin – have made tackling child poverty a priority and new targets were recently announced. But how will the Government get there?
The October budget, the Coalition’s first, will be a key test of its commitment. In this context, it is welcome that the Government says it is studying the option of a second child benefit rate paid to less well-off families, though frustrating that due to the complications, implementation will not commence this year. Instead, a framework will be set out.
There are , indeed, complexities and costs to introducing a second child benefit rate, not least ensuring that some households do not lose out. Yet examining this option was promised in the Programme for Government and it is not clear what has been done in the interim.
A study published by the Economic and Social Research Institute finds that the second level of child benefit, which would be means tested, would be the most powerful way to address child poverty. It would incorporate the current supports paid to families on welfare with children and also the Working Families Payment – and the various rules which apply do complicate implementation.
RM Block
But reform is , by its nature, complex and administrative difficulty is no excuse for inaction. The State managed to put the whole Covid payments structure together at speed, so it can be done. A transitional regime can ensure no family loses out. Significant cost is involved – about €770 million per annum for the ESRI plan. But if something is a priority, then the money can be found.
The child poverty agenda has other aspects too, not least that Tusla is properly financed in providing help to families. Welcome supports have been introduced in other areas, such as the provision of school dinners and schoolbooks. But progress has been piecemeal and child poverty numbers have not been falling, according to the ESRI. What is vital now is that a coherent plan is put together and that addressing child poverty is finally given the priority it deserves.
