Minister Tomas Rejects Information about Reduction of Child Benefits

Bratislava, April 15 (TASR) - Labour, Social Affairs and the Family Minister Erik Tomas (Voice-SD) has rejected information from the opposition that child benefits are set to be reduced or scrapped as part of financial consolidation measures. MPs from the 'Slovakia', 'For the People', KU caucus said earlier on Tuesday that the Finance Ministry is considering reducing the allowance from €60 to €30 per month, or taking it away from families with students over the age of 18. Currently, they can receive child benefit until they reach the age of 25 if they are still studying. "Igor Matovic and Co. have put out nonsense similar to the nonsense that was spread before the first consolidation and wasn't confirmed in the end. The government won't touch child benefit. As the labour, social affairs and the family minister, I wouldn't accept any reduction in pro-family measures. It's a red line for me," said Tomas. Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenicky (Smer-SD) declined to comment on the issue at a press conference. am/df