Child Benifit

The Irish Times News Poll asks this morning if Child Benefit should be cut in the up coming December budget. Firstly what is child benefit, child benefit is paid on the first Tuesday of every month to persons who have a child or children in their care that is under 18 years of age. The problem is that whether one is a Millionaire or on the basic minimum wage you are entitled to the same Social Welfare payment each month. Even Tax Exiles are entitled to this Social Welfare payment for their children and they all collect it. Parents who's children are in the care of the State continue to get paid Child Benefit, yes indeed even if you have committed serious crimes against your children you continue to get paid child benefit to care for your child. Its has for decades been a moral quagmire punctuated by political indifference. Few politicians have ever even considered making changes to the Child Benefit system due to the potential back lash from those in woolly jumper land. For low income families the Child Benefit payment each month is for essentials such as school books and clothes for those top earners it is simply a few Euro that's goes into the bank account each month that can be used to get the legs waxed or the hair done. There is a need for real change to the Child Benefit payment system, why should Millionaires wives be in receipt of a Social Welfare payment, however it is unlikely that this Government will have the steel to make the necessary changes but will simply punish the vulnerable to help out the Millionaires wives.