Burton: No cuts in 'core' social welfare rates

on 12/10/2012 18:33:59

Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton has today confirmed that "core" social welfare rates will not be cut in December's Budget.

Minister Burton made the commitment earlier, as she met with 31 organisations who all outlined their priorities to her ahead of the Budget.

However, she did not outline what payments are defined as "core" rates. She also said that no decision has been made yet in relation to child benefit.

The Minister did indicate that more supports may be put in place for parents in the area of childcare, however.

"I don't know of a single person in Government who's not conscious of the importance of child benefit to families with children," she said.

"But we're also conscious, again, something I've said in the Dáil before, what we want to see as well, is more emphasis in our programme on childcare so that women in particular, that they have a chance to re-join the workforce."