Vol. 576 No. 6
146 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether his budget 2001 and budget 2002 commitments in relation to child benefit are now factually incorrect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30385/03]
The programme for Government indicated that the Government's overall budgetary and economic policy is to ensure that the public finances remain in a healthy position. This is essential if we are to maintain the Irish economy's competitive position, to enable it to provide the resources to fund good public services and deliver real increases in social welfare benefits. The Government targets which involve significant public expenditure and the timescale for achieving the targets must have regard to this overriding policy objective. The Government announced a major programme to increase significantly the rates of child benefit in budget 2001. In framing each successive budget, however, the Government has had to take account of the prevailing economic circumstances while remaining committed to its specific policy objectives. Although it has not yet fully achieved its child benefit target, the Government has delivered over 80% of the programme at this stage. In light of the overall policy framework and the substantial increases already delivered, I do not accept that the commitments given on child benefit in budgets 2001 and 2002 can be regarded as factually incorrect.
