Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Feb 1991

Vol. 405 No. 5

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

92 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Social Welfare if the child dependant allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied) for her son who is a full-time student and, due to a confirmed illness is unable to attend and register at university but has registered for and paid the fees for his exam which the college are allowing him to sit in June, and who cannot claim (1) disability benefit as he has no contributions, and (2) unemployment assistance as he is not available for work because he is a full-time student at home; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

Payment of dependent child allowance is respect of a child over 18 is normally made only where the child is in full-time education. The child must also be receiving full-time instruction by day at any university, college, school or other educational establishment.

Given the exceptional medical circumstances of this case and in view of the fact that the child has registered for and paid the fees to sit examinations in June, I have approved payment of dependent child allowance in this case.

Arrangements have been made for a dependent child allowance book to issue payable from 15 February 1991. Arrears covering the period of 6 July 1990 to 14 February 1991 amounting to £488.40 will be paid within ten days.