Vol. 492 No. 1
177 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the measures, if any, in place to address the issue of child poverty which exists at an unusually high level even in the era of the tiger economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13684/98]
In the recent Social Welfare Act, I have provided for significant increases in child benefit including the introduction of an 150 per cent payment for twins.
Family income supplement which is targeted at low income families has been increased by an average £4 per week and from October 1998 will be paid on a net income basis. This will result in an average increase of £11 per week for claimants.
The Deputy will note also that a family affairs unit was established in the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs this year, to coordinate family policy and the development of family services. The strong performance of the economy, coupled with specific measures such as those outlined, should have a significant positive effect on the level of child poverty in Ireland.
