asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will explain why no children's allowances are paid in respect of children kept in Stamullen House, County Meath.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Non-Payment of Children's Allowances.
81.
The position regarding payment of children's allowances in respect of children who are resident in institutions is determined by section 5 (2) (c) of the Children's Allowances (Amendment) Act, 1946 which reads
Where a qualified child is resident in an institution he shall be regarded as normally residing only with that person (if any) who contributes towards the cost of his maintenance in the institution, and with whom he would under this section, be regarded as normally residing, if he were not resident in an institution.
Accordingly, in the case of children in Stamullen House, the allowances are paid to the parents or guardians who contribute towards their support.
Is the Minister aware that these children are, in the main, abandoned children and that this institution gets no State aid or assistance whatsoever towards their maintenance? Does it not seem extraordinary that they are not entitled to get even children's allowances?
I was not aware of that. I shall look into the matter.
That is the position.