A NUMBER of measures in this year's Budget reflected the Coalition's commitment to "family-friendly" policies. Last year's increase in child benefit was repeated on a smaller scale, while parents of twins received a 150 per cent increase in their grant and an extra £1,000.
Child benefit, which is paid to all parents regardless of income, was increased by £2 a month, bringing the payment for the first two children to £29 and £34 for subsequent children. Last year Mr Quinn increased it by £7.
He also announced an increase in the grant paid on the birth of twins from £200 to £500, along with a new grant of £500 to be paid when the twins reach four and 12 years of age.
Children also featured in increases in family allowance supplements, which is paid to almost 12,000 families. The supplement is paid to low-earners and Mr Quinn raised the threshold by £10 a week. People who move from the dole to family allowance supplements will be allowed to keep the child dependant allowance element of their dole for the first 13 weeks.
The initiative was an "important bridge" between taking a job and qualifying for the supplement, Mr Quinn said. "The expectation is that this change will help to smooth further the transition to work."
People without children are slightly worse off when earnings from part-time employment are assessed for dole payments. People working part of the week and claiming for the remainder are to be assessed on the basis of 60 per cent of their income. Those without children will have the first £10 of their daily income discounted for this assessment.
Mr Quinn also increased the back-to-school allowance by £3 to £43 for primary school children and to £58 at secondary level. And he extended the free travel companion pass scheme to visually impaired children.
Government ministers have reiterated the Government's commitment to helping families.
In a pre-Budget speech last week the Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, said that this was one of the main focuses of Government policies, a point also made by the Minister for Social Welfare, Mr De Rossa.