F Grade just not good enough!

Published: Sunday, January 24, 2010

Government's approach to Child Benefit Derisory to Women - National Women's Council of Ireland.

'The cuts to Child Benefit, made in Budget 2010, are now taking effect and are devastating for women", stated Orla O'Connor NWCI Head of Policy. The National Women's Council of Ireland supports the Children's Rights Alliance, which today gave the Government an F Grade for its financial support to children.

"The Government has said the worst is over. 2010 will be a bleak year however, for the thousands of families who are struggling to pay for childcare costs which have not seen a decrease. For many women the decision to stay in work has become more difficult", added Ms. O'Connor.

"The compensatory measures for Child Benefit are also derisory to women as many families living on low incomes are not eligible for FIS e.g. the self employed. Many families with 1-2 children who have already experienced reduced hours will find their incomes are just above the FIS threshold and will get no relief from the financial burden which the reduction in child benefit is causing' she concluded.