Exceptional needs payments (ENPs) for school kids' Communions and Confirmations are to be cut under government reforms.

The Irish Examiner reports how only "hardship" cases will receive a contribution, with the amount falling from an average of 242 euros to a maximum of 110 euros.

ENPs are meant to be once-off or exceptional need funds for people on social welfare and according to critics the changes will have a "severe impact".

St Vincent de Paul vice-president John Monaghan said: "Most people looking for Confirmation and Communion payments have no savings and go to welfare officers or us or money lenders."

The announcement was made by the Department of Social Protection under Social Welfare Minister Joan Burton's plans to reduce the body's spend on ENPs by 8.5 million euros in 2012.

ENPs are payable at the discretion of the department's representative, taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all relevant circumstances of the individual case.

Written by Donal Walsh

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