Sinn Féin spokesperson on Social Protection, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD, has said that Sinn Féin would fund double child benefit payments this October and December, and increase child benefit by €10 in the party’s upcoming alternative budget.

Responding to the publication of the ESRI report on material deprivation today, Deputy Ó Laoghaire said it was very concerning to see such an increase in child poverty, and committed to further additional payments for children and families.

Teachta Ó Laoghaire said:

“This report is yet another wake-up call for the government. For all their big talk and announcements on tackling poverty, the fact is that there are more children in material deprivation now than 12 months previously.

“It is a clear sign action is needed on tackling poverty, and Sinn Féin will not be found wanting.

“No child should be growing up in poverty. Every child deserves a decent start in life, so it is highly concerning to see that there has been an increase in children experiencing material deprivation, from 17% in 2022 to 20% in 2023.

“One in five children in Ireland are failing to have some of their fundamental needs being met. That is simply not good enough, and is a failure of government policy.

“It is clear that the last two budgets, as we said at the time, have not kept pace with the cost of inflation for children and families.

“We know that the cost of raising a child is ever-increasing upwards, between the cost of living crisis and its impact on the costs of fuel, energy, food and education. That is before considering the costs of a child’s participation in sport or extra curricular activities.

“That is why Sinn Féin will be bringing forward an alternative budget that invests in families and children and tackles child poverty in a significant way.

“We would fund a double child benefit payment in October and again in December, as well as a €10 increase in child benefit, which would be the first increase since 2016.

“Child benefit is still below the 2008 rate, which was cut by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael governments.

“Sinn Féin would also pay a €100 Qualified Child Increase lump sum to support those on the lowest incomes this year.

“Our alternative budget will also bring forward several other key targeted measures to tackle child poverty and protect children at risk of poverty.

“Sinn Féin is also very aware of the fact that single-parent families are at particular risk of poverty. That is why we would increase the One Parent Family payment by €12.

“Fundamentally, we have a long-term vision for reform of our social welfare system, so that no one falls below a minimum standard of living.

“We would introduce a Social Welfare Adequacy Commission, which would outline what increases are necessary, on the basis of providing a minimum essential standard of living (MESL).

“These are the changes that are needed if we are serious about ending child poverty, which would be a key priority for Sinn Féin in government.”