Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2026
55. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide an update on the development of a second-tier child benefit payment; and whether the current plans to replace the child support payment with a new payment will reduce payments for current recipients. [46223/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government sets out a commitment to explore the introduction of a targeted child benefit payment. In line with this commitment my Department launched a public consultation on May 5th on a potential new targeted child payment (also referred to as a second-tier child benefit) and working age payment. The consultation process concluded on June 12th.
The new targeted child payment payment seeks to simplifying current payments options for families, providing similar support to families on similar incomes, without the need to be in receipt of a primary social welfare payment. This, in turn, aims to support the Government to meet its child poverty target of 3% of consistent poverty by the end of the decade.
In line with this policy objective, it is not anticipated that existing customers would see a reduction in payment. However, these are complex reforms, and it will take time to consider the input from the consultation process, and to progress more detailed design. It should be emphasised that no final determinations have been reached at this stage, and all options will be assessed and refined based on the feedback obtained during the consultation period.
It should be noted that the universal Child Benefit payment will not be affected by these proposed changes and will be retained in its current form.
I trust this clarify the matter for the Deputy.
