In many cases, children are experiencing more harm after being taken into care, the report concludes.

The Department of Social Protection said some of the money recovered could include overpayments from other years and that efforts to claw back the money continued on an ongoing basis.

The Taoiseach has signalled there will be ‘something’ similar to a second tier of child benefit in the Budget.

Jack Chambers said Budget 2025 has “the common good at its core” and provides a “unique” opportunity to provide for people and to transform Ireland

Simon Harris said it was important to keep assessing the rules around migration ‘to maintain social cohesion’.

The Department of Social Protection said the proposals are not finalised

Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys announced the details of the payments on Monday