Survey: Child benefit is not a solution to child poverty

Irish child benefit is a universal benefit, available to anyone with children under 18. It has been criticised in the past – most notably by Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary, who said he and many others did not need it – because it is not means tested.

Now the Children's Rights Alliance has indirectly criticised the payment, presenting a survey that supports its view that the Irish population wants more measures that actually aim to reduce child poverty, and not just a payment to all parents.

The survey conducted by Red C shows that an overwhelming majority support targeted measures to combat the root causes of child poverty.

• A third of people are convinced agree that the government should increase welfare payments for children from low-income families instead of increasing general child benefit (62 percent agree – 32 percent strongly agree, 30 percent tend to agree)
• A third of respondents fully agree that the government should increase social assistance for children from low-income families in the 2025 budget (76 percent agree – 36 percent completely agree, 40 percent somewhat agree)
• Two out of five respondents fully agree that the 2025 budget should increase investments to provide additional funding for early childhood (preschool) services that support children from low-income families (81 percent agree – 41 percent strongly agree, 40 percent somewhat agree)

Since the government received €13 billion in back taxes from Apple, there has been a focus on the areas that should benefit from the extra funds. Some have suggested that doubling child benefit might be appropriate.

However, since its introduction, it has proved difficult to means test child benefit to ensure it is targeted at those who really need it. This reflects the reluctance of all governments to restrict payments to their constituents, regardless of whether they serve their purpose or not.

Children's Rights Alliance chief executive Tanya Ward argues that increasing child welfare payments and providing free school books are better ways to combat child poverty than increasing or doubling child benefit.

“We know that if we are serious about ending child poverty and supporting children and young people who consistently experience the greatest disadvantage, we need a mix of universal and targeted policies,” she said. “The broad public support for this approach is clear. The majority want a budget that delivers for children and young people, but most importantly, goes even further for families who need extra support. We are calling on the Government to stop flying kites and focus our resources on policies that do just that.”