The Taoiseach has ruled out a higher rate of child benefit for low income families in this year’s budget. 

Newly released figure by the ERSI found that some 230,000 children in Ireland are living below the poverty line when the soaring cost of housing is taken into account. 

The co-author of the report said the introduction of a second tier of child benefit for impacted families could be one solution.

However, speaking in Poland, Simon Harris said the proposal was not Government policy. 

“It’s up to Ministers to bring forward their own individual proposals and certainly no good idea would be off the table,” he said. 

“But I’m not aware of any current plans to bring forward that specific proposal in relation to two tiers in this budget.” 

A child drawing on the floor. Image: Jan Haas/DPA/PA Images

Despite this, Mr Harris said the budget would contain a cost of living package to help parents struggling with high prices. 

“The Government will and must do more,” he said. 

“We have a child poverty unit within my Department for this very reason to look across all aspects of Government to look and say, ‘What more can you do in your area to help?’ 

“I can assure you, we will be bringing forward a package in the Budget on October 1st.” 

International comparison

In 2021, the Scottish Government introduced the Scottish Child Payment which gives low income families  £26.70 (€31.71) every week. 

At the time, then-First Minister Nicola Sturgeon praised it as "the most ambitious anti-poverty measure anywhere in the UK”.

The amount is paid per child under the age of 16 and is in addition to child benefit - which is paid for and administered by the British Government. 

Main image: Taoiseach Simon Harris listens during a press conference. Image: X/@ZelenskyyUa