The chairman of the Labour Party has called on the Government to row back on cuts to child benefit announced in Budget 2013.
The €10-€20 cut per child has been met with widespread outrage by Labour Party backbenchers, opposition parties and child welfare groups.
Colm Keaveney said the Cabinet had failed to properly address Ireland's financial crisis by not coming down harder on those who could afford to take a bigger financial hit.
The Galway East TD said it was still possible for the Government to change their mind in relation to the cut.
"We have to go back and spend our effort, time and energy to ensure that we alleviate the impact on low-income families in society who are struggling to put food in their children's lunchbox on a Monday morning," he said.
Mr Keaveney has written to the party's members seeking their views on the Budget.