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27/09/2012
IBEC Call On Government To Penalise Parents Who Save Child Benefit
Employers' group IBEC has called on the government to penalise people who save their child benefit rather than spend it.
In a submission to Finance Minister Michael Noonan ahead of December's Budget, the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) also say that parents who spend child benefit should get a third more than those who put aside the money.
The business lobby group wants to give parents a smart card which would force people to spend the entire amount in Ireland or risk losing some of their benefit.
IBES claim the proposal could provide a boost for retailers; however, it would also hurt those parents who are saving for a rainy day and parents who paid taxes but now live in other European countries.
It is not known whether their suggestion would be legal under European law but IBEC pointed out that the British government hands out vouchers to some people on social welfare.
The employers' group claims parents save a quarter of the €2.4bn paid in child benefit every year.
"IBEC believes that universal welfare payments of this type should be made by an electronic payment card which would incentivise recipients to spend their money in the domestic economy."
It first said back in July that child benefit should be paid using a card but has not previously suggested that those opting to use the card should get a third more than those who take cash.
The business group will also urge Mr Noonan to create a property tax that averages €500 per house next year and applies to as many people as possible. The tax should increase in future years, it adds.
(H)
In a submission to Finance Minister Michael Noonan ahead of December's Budget, the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) also say that parents who spend child benefit should get a third more than those who put aside the money.
The business lobby group wants to give parents a smart card which would force people to spend the entire amount in Ireland or risk losing some of their benefit.
IBES claim the proposal could provide a boost for retailers; however, it would also hurt those parents who are saving for a rainy day and parents who paid taxes but now live in other European countries.
It is not known whether their suggestion would be legal under European law but IBEC pointed out that the British government hands out vouchers to some people on social welfare.
The employers' group claims parents save a quarter of the €2.4bn paid in child benefit every year.
"IBEC believes that universal welfare payments of this type should be made by an electronic payment card which would incentivise recipients to spend their money in the domestic economy."
It first said back in July that child benefit should be paid using a card but has not previously suggested that those opting to use the card should get a third more than those who take cash.
The business group will also urge Mr Noonan to create a property tax that averages €500 per house next year and applies to as many people as possible. The tax should increase in future years, it adds.
(H)
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Child Benefit Cuts Should Be Considered
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Child benefit cuts should be considered by the Dáil, according to the Agricultural Minister. Simon Coveney said the issue had not yet been discussed at Cabinet, but that it would have to discussed and decided upon in time, in the run-up to the Budget.
04 July 2012
No Action To Be Taken Over Centra Children's Allowance Beer Offer
Centra’s parent company have announced that they will not be sanctioning four Dublin stores for running offers of low-price alcohol targeted at Child Benefit recipients, simply describing it as an “error”. The four outlets ran a promotion offering a range of food and beer, linking it to yesterday's receipt of the Children's Allowance.
No Action To Be Taken Over Centra Children's Allowance Beer Offer
Centra’s parent company have announced that they will not be sanctioning four Dublin stores for running offers of low-price alcohol targeted at Child Benefit recipients, simply describing it as an “error”. The four outlets ran a promotion offering a range of food and beer, linking it to yesterday's receipt of the Children's Allowance.
06 January 2012
Over 5,000 Have Child Benefit Suspended
More than 5,000 people have had their child benefit suspended after failing to respond to a check on details and entitlement. Some 5,672 people will not receive their January child benefit payment because they did not respond to a Department of Social Protection to confirm that they still resided in Ireland.
Over 5,000 Have Child Benefit Suspended
More than 5,000 people have had their child benefit suspended after failing to respond to a check on details and entitlement. Some 5,672 people will not receive their January child benefit payment because they did not respond to a Department of Social Protection to confirm that they still resided in Ireland.
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