Dara Calleary has ruled a higher rate of child benefit payments to poorer families in the next budget. 

Such an idea has been pioneered by the Scottish Government, who set up the Scottish Child Payment for low income families in order to cut poverty. 

On The Claire Byrne Show, Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary described reducing child poverty as a “priority”. 

He also noted that families in receipt of certain social welfare payments can already access the Child Support Payment. 

“The Child Support Payment is an additional payment paid to families on the lowest incomes for children,” he said. 

“It splits into children over 12 and under 12. 

“In last year's budget, we increased it by €16 a week, one six a week, €8 a week for children under 12.

“That has made a difference and that is acknowledged.”

When asked whether a higher rate of Child Benefit for low income families could be introduced in Budget 2027, Minister Calleary said, “not in this budget, no”. 

“We will continue investment in the child support payment,” he said. 

“The child support payment is one that goes to directly to the lowest income families. 

“I'm not saying it's not going to happen; it's not going to happen in this budget.”

Main image: Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary. Picture by: Alamy.com.