asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider a more realistic scale for children's allowance payments; if he is considering excluding certain income categories from benefiting from children's allowance payments; and if he will consider the payment of a special grant or allowance to parents in certain income groups whose children between 14 and 18 years are pursuing higher education.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Children's Allowances.
6.
The rates of children's allowances were substantially increased as from the 1st August last. Associated with the grant of these increases the tax-free allowances under the income tax code in respect of children eligible for children's allowances were reduced. The possibility of further development of the children's allowances scheme, including the question of introducing a greater degree of selectivity, is being examined but no early changes in the scheme are contemplated.
Will there be no consideration given to any change, say, prior to the next Budget?
No. We provide the money the same time as improvements are brought in.
The Minister has said there will be no change in children's allowances in the next Budget.
Between now and the next Budget.
At the next Budget.
I did not say that.
The Minister may give something extra then?
The Budget has not been decided yet.
The Minister is pressing for those improvements?
The Minister for Finance will bear all aspects of social welfare in mind when he is framing his Budget.
Is the Minister on satisfactory terms with the Minister for Finance?
I find him very sympathetic, indeed.