New figures from the Department of Social Protection show that just eight parents have opted not to claim their children’s allowance over the past four years.

The €140 benefit is paid to all families each month, regardless of income.

However those who feel they don’t need it can contact the Department to have their payments stopped.

A report in today’s Irish Examiner claims that 130,000 people earned over €100,000 last year – but only eight people have turned down their child benefit since 2012.