The minister behind plans to link child benefit to school attendance says the plan is designed to combat social welfare fraud.

Denis Naughten said the proposal was designed to make sure child benefit was not being paid for children who live abroad, or who do not exist.

Asked if the plan was designed to effectively fine parents if their children did not attend school, the minister said “absolutely not”.

However his remarks today contrast with comments in the Dáil last year, when he linked the plan to targeting parents who don’t send children to school.

“The reason I’m bringing this to your attention is I have teachers the length and breadth of this country telling me that there are parents who lack the motivation in ensuring that their child attends school.

“Now if their child benefit is under threat, that motivation has ensured that their child attends school and even if it only gives one child a chance is it not worth doing it.”