New parents could be in for a baby boost payment

One of the proposals gaining traction is a one-off "baby boost" payment for new parents, aimed at easing the financial strain that often accompanies the arrival of a newborn.

The Green Party has been advocating for this measure, which would see new parents receive a special Child Benefit payment of €560 during the first month after their child is born. 

This proposal is being championed by Green Party leader and Minister for Children, Roderic O'Gorman, who aims to make the "baby boost" a central focus in budget negotiations with coalition partners Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

Minister O'Gorman says there is a need for additional financial support for new parents facing a range of initial expenses, such as purchasing a cot, car seat, and other essential baby equipment. 

Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Claire Byrne, he explained: "We’re very aware of the extra financial pressures that all new parents face on the arrival of a newborn. 

“The idea is that alongside the initial child benefit payment of €140, there’d be a boost for that first payment. 

“We’re talking about quadrupling it, bringing it up to €560, to provide some extra money so they can meet those costs."

The proposed "baby boost" payment is estimated to cost around €20 million annually and would be paid to all new parents. 

It aims to provide support to families during the first few weeks of a newborn's life, a period often marked by significant, unplanned expenses.

When asked whether he would support a broader increase in the monthly Child Benefit as part of Budget 2025, Minister O'Gorman stated that the baby boost would be “the most meaningful measure the Government can introduce” to directly support new parents. 

However, there is still uncertainty regarding whether the proposal will be approved. 

Sources have suggested that the decision would fall under the remit of Heather Humphreys' Department of Social Protection, rather than the Department of Children, and that there could be other competing priorities within the Social Protection budget.

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