Vol. 441 No. 3
121 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social Welfare the action, if any, he proposes to take regarding the equality of State assistance with multiple births such as triplets and quads, to include double monthly children's allowance; and if he proposes to bring in the same type of benefits for twins.
The existing child benefit scheme provides for payment of benefit at double the normal rate for each child, where three or more children are born together. A special once-off grant of £300 is payable on the birth of triplets and £400 where four or more children are born together. Last year I also introduced a special once-off grant of £200 on the birth of twins. These arrangements give recognition within the child benefit scheme, to the special nature of these births and the additional costs associated with them.
The extension of the provision of double the normal rate of child benefit in the event of the birth of twins would have substantial financial implications and could only be considered in a budgetary context.
