Should the Children Allowances be Cut or half in Ireland?
Children’s Allowance is compulsory because of EU. However, I would include it as taxable income. Then, those who have very low incomes and aren’t in the tax net won’t have to pay, and those who are rich enough will pay some tax. It would probably be simpler to include it for tax than to employ more departments to means-test it. Further, I would have the same rate for all children – no extra benefits for multiples. If you have triplets, you currently get double the allowance – the same as for 6 children. It does not double the cost per child to feed or clothe them just because they are triplets. There is something extra for twins also. I can’t see those extra payments as justified.
