Vol. 432 No. 2
73 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Social Welfare the plans, if any, he has to introduce legislation to provide family or individual financial support to youths between 16 and 18 years of age, as they are not entitled to child benefit or unemployment benefit.
Child benefit can be paid up to the age of 18, where the young person concerned is in full-time education. This covers the majority of cases in this age group.
Unemployment benefit can be paid from the age of 16, subject to the usual contribution conditions. This means the claimant must have worked and paid full PRSI for at least 39 weeks.
There are no plans at present for new legislation in this regard.
