One of the authors of a report on children's health has said children are healthiest in countries where the gap between rich and poor families is narrow.
"Best Health for Children", a report commissioned by the eight health boards and launched yesterday in Tullamore, Co Offaly, recommends the development of a national parent support strategy.
While an increase in child benefit is welcomed, some health planners are concerned about policies which do not encourage equal income distribution.
Asked to comment on the Budget, Dr Sean Denyer, chairman of the joint national child health committee, and one of three authors, said: "The countries with the healthiest children are ones where income distribution is more equal."
The most important recommendation of the study is the development of a partnership approach with parents. "In the past they were patronised to some extent, or not taken seriously enough but now there should be an investment in parent training. If you have better parents you will have better adults, both physically and mentally," said Dr Denyer.