Sinn Féin Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has said that his party is continuing in a ‘vigorous campaign’ to revoke the child benefit cuts that were implemented in December’s budget.
Deputy Mac Lochlainn made the statement as mothers in Donegal were collecting the reduced rate for the first time.
Deputy Mac Lochlainn said: “Thousands of mothers in Donegal will feel the pain of child benefit cuts as they collect their reduced entitlements.
“Sinn Féin rejects any cut to child benefit as it has already been cut by both the Fianna Fáil government and the current Labour/Fine Gael government.
“We are currently battling in every forum possible in order to have this cut revoked.
“The cut is not necessary. The books could have been balanced without it. If the government wants to target high earners then it should go after their income. This would also be more beneficial for the economy.
“Sinn Féin proposed a third income tax rate of 48% on income over and above €100,000 bringing in €365 million. The return on the new cut in child benefit only returns €200 million.
“The department’s own value for money review of child benefit published in 2010 demonstrates the dependence of middle income families on child benefit. Its analysis found that households in the 4th and 5th of ten income bracket fall below or onto the poverty line after paying their taxes and it is child benefit that then lifts them onto and over the line respectively.”
The Inishowen TD added: “It is time that the government attempts to run an economy with fairness as a core principle. Sinn Féin will continue to fight for that to happen.”
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