child benefit reduced by €10 per month

conscious of impact

mitigated by additional supports for low income

Child care places increased

early childcare supports in disadvantaged areas

Yes, technically child benefit has been cut by €10 per child in Budget 2013 . . but this is on top of future cuts announced in Budget 2012 to be applied in Jan 2013 . .

Effectively, child benefit reductions for Jan 2013 compared to Dec 2012 are . .

1st & 2nd child down €10 from €140 to €130
3rd child down €18 from €148 to €130
4th and subsequent children down €20 from €160 to €140 . . with another €10 future cut announced for Jan 2014

I can't understand how this isn't means tested? If they really were looking at fairness, that would be the most equitable way to do it. Furthermore, it could save a hell of a lot of $

Presumably the bureaucracy involved in means testing could cost more than the potential savings? Wouldn't it be simpler to just make it assessable for tax and other deductions like some (many?) other welfare payments?