A Fine Gael councillor has been blasted by his party colleagues for suggesting that child benefit is a "subsidy for parents to have sex".
David McManus, who is also the current Deputy Mayor of South Dublin County Council, made the comments on The Echo's Local Voices podcast during a discussion on whether hot meals should be provided to disadvantaged schools.
The Rathfarnham-Templeogue rep argued that the €140 per month child benefit payment, which is currently paid to all parents regardless of income, should be means tested and only given to those who "most need it".
He said: "For me personally, hot meals for schools should be there for all DEIS schools and all disadvantaged schools that need it.
"I don't think it would be proper to say we're going to give this to every school in the country because I think when money is scarce, my view is you give it to those who most need it.
"As a similar issue, child benefit goes to families all over the country.
"We're giving child benefit to families on high wages, people on €100,000 a year. It's like a subsidy for them to have sex."
Councillor McManus' comments did not go down well with fellow party members who took him to task on social media.
Seanad Leader Regina Doherty tweeted: "Whatever about subsidies, no brain cells were taxed coming to this conclusion."
While council colleague Vicki Casserly added: "Misjudged conclusion @McManusDavid. I in no way agree with #Mumof2."
Councillor McManus defended his controversial comments during an interview on Newstalk Breakfast this morning.
He said: "It may cause offence, but that was not my intention.
"But I believe it’s a valid point that welfare payments should be going to those who really, really need it.”
He added that he believes child benefit is an "essential benefit" for low and middle-income families but reiterated his stance that it should not be paid to wealthier families and instead be diverted into funding schools.
“These comments are unpopular - I accept that," he said.
"The reality is the books have to balance, and the bills have to be paid.
“There are two schools in my area… the two schools are next door to each other, but one is not getting the hot meals programme as the programme is oversubscribed.
“I want all DEIS schools to get the resources they need - but to be very, very straight about it, I don’t believe wealthy families should be getting child benefit.”
