Child benefit faces cut in €5bn crisis Budget

By Fionnan Sheahan, Aideen Sheehan and John Walshe
CUTS to child benefit and other social welfare payments are on the cards, as the Government attempts to bridge a €5bn hole in the public finances.
The record numbers now signing on the dole have heaped even further pressure on public spending and will add an extra €1bn to social welfare payments. Government sources last night confirmed universal payments, such as child benefit, would be in the firing line ahead of next month's mini-budget.
The early childhood supplement, paid to cover childcare costs, has already been reduced twice and is expected to be cut even further.
These payments are under pressure because they are not regarded as the primary source of income for families.
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