Sinn Féin to call on Cork City Council to oppose further cuts to Child Benefit

Sinn Féin to call on Cork City Council to oppose further cuts to Child Benefit Sinn Féin Cllr. Mick Nugent is calling on Cork City Council to oppose any further cuts in Child Benefit in the forthcoming budget. Cllr. Nugent stressed his party’s belief that the government should look to income tax rates if it is serious about targeting high-earners. Speaking on his motion which is expected to come before council tonight, Cllr. Nugent said: “We have just had a national debate surrounding the issue of children’s rights. It is now imperative that this government ensures that the needs of children are defended in December’s budget. This would be better achieved by seeking a just contribution from the wealthy in the form of income tax rather than focusing on a universal payment for children.” Cllr. Nugent continued by saying that Sinn Féin had very real concerns regarding the introduction of the proposed means test. “Where will the threshold be set? We could be faced with situations in which full payment is denied to people who are most dependent on it. The government needs to come clean regarding the details in order to calm fears as we move closer to the budget.” “The cut is unnecessary. The minister is trying to spin this one as though she is a modern-day Robin Hood. She is not taking from the rich to give to the poor. It is deplorable that a Labour minister, a member of a party who said that a vote for them is a vote to protect Child Benefit, will oversee this cut. It’s yet another broken promise made by the Labour party to the people at the last General Election.” “Sinn Féin wants to see children protected by the policies and day-to-day decisions of government. Unfortunately, the austerity agenda being followed by this coalition has consistently put children on the frontline of cuts.” ENDS For further information please contact Cllr. Mick Nugent on 0876755793