Second Phase of Child Benefit Scheme Excluded from October Budget
DUBLIN —The government has confirmed that the second phase of the Child Benefit Scheme will not be included in next month’s budget, despite earlier assurances from senior ministers.
The decision was clarified by Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary, who stated that while the scheme remains a government commitment, it will not feature in Budget 2026. Instead, the proposal is expected to be brought forward before the 2027 budget.
This announcement contradicts earlier statements by Tánaiste Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, and Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe, all of whom had suggested the second tier of child benefit would be part of the October package. At a recent summit on child poverty, Martin cited ESRI research indicating that the scheme could lift over 50,000 children out of poverty and hinted it would be reflected in this year’s budget.
Minister Calleary explained that while the second-tier scheme will not proceed at this stage, the government will allocate €780 million for child support payments in 2026. The second-tier proposal is designed to provide additional support for low-income families, complementing the current universal child benefit which is available to all households with children regardless of income.
Additional measures are also planned to bolster assistance for families on the lowest incomes, according to the minister.
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