At the National Economic Dialogue, Taoiseach Micheal Martin addressed the concerning rise in child poverty and indicated that the government is exploring various strategies to address this issue. He asserted that all options, including targeted payments and means testing for benefits, are being considered in the upcoming budget. Martin also pointed out that ongoing trade negotiations between the EU and US could significantly influence budgetary decisions, stressing the need for certainty in economic planning, particularly in light of potential tariffs that may arise.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin stated, 'Nothing is off the table' regarding options to support vulnerable children, highlighting increased child poverty as a pressing issue.
Mr. Martin emphasized the urgency of addressing rising child poverty, saying, 'We need to make sure that increase turns out to be a temporary spike'.
On the potential trade deal between the EU and US, he mentioned, 'Until it is resolved, and until certainty can be restored, then it will be challenging in terms of designing a new budget'.
Martin noted the commitment in the Programme for Government to explore a two-tier child benefit system, saying 'we can choose from a wide menu to target resources'.
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