asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the reason why the family allowance has been withdrawn from the orphans of the late Mrs. and Thomas Butterly, Gallagh, Dunleer, County Louth.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Withdrawal of Family Allowance.
A children's allowance in respect of the Butterly children was awarded to their father for the third payment period which ended on the 28th January, 1946. On the qualifying date for the fourth payment period both parents of the Butterly children were dead. A claim in respect of a child who has neither a parent nor a step-parent living can be maintained only by the head of the household of which such child is normally a resident member. Claims in respect of the Butterly children were decided on that basis for the fourth payment period.
Could the Minister state if this family becomes reunited in one home, whether the payments will be made retrospective from the dates on which they were withdrawn?
No.
That is a great hardship.
If the family circumstances change so that the home in which the children now reside becomes entitled to a children's allowance, they will receive that children's allowance only in respect of the payment period following the qualifying date on which they sustained their claim.