Protests from opposition politicians and social justice groups have done nothing to deter the government's plans to push ahead with cuts to child benefit rates.

Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney explained how the government is set to discuss a proposal for a two-tiered system of child benefit, with a flat rate and top-ups for low-income families.

The minister said he personally believes that welfare payments need to be redistributed so that spending is concentrated on families that need financial support most.

"Last year a lot of people rightly raised the issue that is it fair that very high income earners are getting the same supports ... as people who are on low incomes are getting," Mr Conveney stated.

Child benefit is a universal welfare payment given to all families with children regardless of their financial circumstances.

However, several social groups have argued the system needs to be reviewed, including the charity Barnardos Ireland, which claimed money "does not always go where it's needed most".

Written by Donal Walsh

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