Barnardos is appealing to the Government to leave child benefit payments untouched for families in receipt of social welfare.

A new report from the group, to be published later today, has found that as child benefit increased in this country over the past few years, so has child poverty levels.

Last night, Social and Family Affairs Minister Mary Hanafin indicated that three different rates of child benefit payments may be introduced in next month's Budget.

Director of Advocacy and Central Services with Barnardos Norah Gibbons said the most vunerable children need to be protected.

"If we have to make hard decisions...the children who need our most protection are the childen whose families are on social welfare or in receipt of the family income supplement," she said.

"We were pleased last night to hear that perhaps she (the Minister) did listen, although we will be saying that our campaign is not over until budget day."

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16/03/2010: Travel pass for elderly tourists available today