Crowe supports SF Motion in support of protecting child benefit

Speaking  after the Dublin Council of Trade Unions March against Austerity and in advance of the publication of a Sinn Féin Dáil Private Members’ Motion which would mandate the government to maintain current child benefit rates and other social welfare rates, Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe said that ” its a question of political choice and prioritising what is fair and equitable.”
 
Deputy Crowe said

“The government is continuing to peddle the myth that they have no choices in this budget but to cut essential supports for people who are struggling to afford even the most basic items. This is simply not true and Sinn Féin’s pre-budget submission offers viable options that if implemented will avoid punishing many working families and those heavily dependent on social welfare.

“Cutting child benefit by €10 per month would save the state somewhere in the region of €150 million but the fact remains that the Government has a number alternative options available if they want to avoid targeting children in next month’s budget.

“For example, a 48% third rate of tax on incomes in excess of €100,000 that means €200,000 per couple would raise €410 million and a wealth tax of 1% on assets worth more than €1 million, with some exclusions, would raise €800 million. It’s a question of political choice and prioritising what is fair and equitable.

“Latest figures show that there are now 96,000 children living across this State who are in consistent poverty with a further 205,000 at risk of poverty. Children are going to school hungry and without proper warm clothes and the cutting child benefit will make the situation worse.

“A just inclusive society is often judged by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens and our motion in the Dáil is about protecting children from further hardship. It is about highlighting   government choices that they can either protect the children of this state or continue to pay billions to unguaranteed bank bondholders.”