Green Party Proposes New Anti-Poverty Payment Ahead of Budget 2026

The Green Party has proposed the creation of a new anti-poverty payment as part of Budget 2026, following the announcement that a planned two-tier Child Benefit payment of €285 will not be included in this year’s budget. Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, confirmed that the implementation of this secondary payment has been delayed until 2027.

In a statement, Calleary indicated that while work is progressing on the new Child Benefit structure, it will not be ready in time for the budget presentation scheduled for October 7, 2026. The current Child Benefit will continue to provide a flat payment of €140 to all families, irrespective of income levels. The proposed additional payment would have aided lower-income households by supplementing this existing benefit.

Lauren Tuite, a Green Party Councillor, criticized the delay, asserting that the government must prioritize the creation of a new payment to address child poverty effectively. Tuite emphasized the need for merging the existing Working Family Payment—currently at a minimum of €20 weekly—and the Increase for a Qualified Child, now known as the Child Support Payment, which offers €50 weekly for children under 12 and €62 for those aged 12 and over.

“For years, Taoisigh have promised that tackling child poverty was a priority,” Tuite stated. “Yet Minister Calleary has now admitted that a second tier of child benefit won’t be in October’s budget—and may not arrive until 2027. That is not urgency; it is delay.”

The proposal aims to create a unified anti-child-poverty payment that would consider total household income instead of employment status, addressing the broader context of financial support for families. Roderic O’Gorman, the Green Party Leader, echoed Tuite’s sentiments, urging Calleary to take immediate action. He highlighted past achievements, such as the €420 New Baby Grant, which is set to remain in place as part of Budget 2026.

The proposed changes come amidst ongoing concerns regarding child poverty in Ireland. According to a recent report from the Economic and Social Research Institute, a revamped Child Benefit system could potentially lift approximately 55,000 children out of income poverty, with 25,000 moving out of consistent poverty.

Despite these needs, Calleary cautioned against unintended consequences that could arise from a new child support system. He expressed concerns that some parents receiving the universal payment may face reduced benefits under the new structure. The estimated cost of the proposed €285 payment is around €772 million, and its absence from the upcoming budget is expected to be a significant disappointment for many families.

In addition to child benefit reforms, Budget 2026 is set to introduce a wage increase for minimum wage workers. The government plans to raise the National Minimum Wage by at least €0.55 to €14.05 per hour. This increase is expected to benefit around 165,000 workers, resulting in an additional weekly income of €92.95 for those working full-time at minimum wage.

This year’s budget package totals €9.4 billion, including €1.5 billion in tax cuts and a €7.9 billion spending initiative, marking a 7.3 percent increase. However, the government has signaled a more cautious approach, indicating that constituents should not expect significant financial giveaways.

Some critics, including Paul Murphy of People Before Profit, have labeled the proposed wage increase as insufficient, arguing that it does not meet the basic living costs for full-time workers. They advocate for a minimum wage of at least €17 an hour to ensure a livable income.

As the government finalizes the details for Budget 2026, the contrasting proposals and reactions reflect the ongoing debate about the most effective ways to address poverty and support families in Ireland. The Green Party’s call for a comprehensive anti-poverty payment underscores the pressing need for immediate action to alleviate financial pressures on families, especially in light of recent economic challenges.