We the undersigned represent all families in Ireland we consist of mothers, fathers, grandparents and concerned citizens who are against any change in the current status of child benefit. We oppose the idea to means-test/tax or reduce in anyway child benefit which has been a feature of Irish family life for decades.

We believe that maintaining child benefit is even more important now with the anticipated loss of the Early Childcare Supplement next year. Many families cannot afford this reduction and we believe any cut to child benefit sets a precedent and it is likely to continue with further cuts in later editions of the budget.

This petition is affiliated with PACUB (Protest Against Child Unfriendly Budget) who is a group of concerned parents with no party affiliation. We also provide information for people on child benefit at http://www.childbenefit.info

We the undersigned fully understand that the economy is undergoing a recession; we have already accepted higher taxation, increased levies and salary reductions. We believe we are being disproportionally targeted and we are saying - stop!

Some of us have lost our jobs during this time and we simply cannot afford to accept any further reductions.

Our message in a sentence is - do not touch child benefit.