Budget 2024 is a “really strong step” towards tackling child poverty, Barnardos has said. 

Minister Paschal Donohoe announced a number of social welfare payments designed to ease the financial cost of parenthood. 

There will be two double payments of Child Benefit in November and December this year. 

The budget for the National Childcare Scheme has been increased by 44% which will cut childcare costs by an average of €1,100 a year.

All secondary school students will also be entitled to free textbooks. 

Barnardos CEO Suzanne Connolly told Newstalk that the charity was “really pleased” with the budget’s contents. 

“The Taoiseach talked about really wanting to address the issue of child poverty and we think he really has through this budget made a really strong step in that direction,” she said. 

“Both in terms of once off payments and also in terms of what they’re doing in the extension of now free school books across secondary level. 

“The introduction of the hot school meal programme for primary schools by next year, the piloting of some out of school hunger initiatives during the summer months and the free transport.” 

Taoiseach Simon Harris meeting school children during the announcement at St Thomas' Junior National School, Esker, Lucan, on the roll-out of the Hot School Meals Programme,15-4-24. Image: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

New parents will also receive a one off lump sum of €420 and parental leave payments will increase by €15. 

Ms Connolly said she thought families will be “very pleased” after hearing the budget’s contents. 

“There’s always the issue which we’re aware of that some families probably don’t need that money,” she said. 

“However, how can the Government make that choice because you never know which of the families are really hard strapped. 

“We know a lot of families have really struggled with the cost of living challenges over the last few years. 

“Again, that is demonstrating the Government’s commitment to children and to families - you can’t but welcome that.” 

Finance Minister Jack Chambers has defended double child benefit payments for the wealthy on the grounds the Government does not believe in means testing the payment.

Main image: Old broken shoes of a little boy. Picture by: Ralf Geithe / Alamy Stock Photo