Vol. 456 No. 6
146 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Social Welfare his views on the fact that early school leavers who do not find employment are not eligible for child benefit; the plans, if any, he has to correct this inequity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14536/95]
Child benefit is generally payable in respect of children up to 16 years old. This year we have increased payment by £7 per month and extended it to 19 years of age in respect of children who are physically or mentally handicapped or are in full-time education including those on FÁS training courses who are not in receipt of a training allowance. This extension is intended to assist in maintaining young people in education and training. To extend it to all children would remove this incentive. I would rather see steps taken to ensure that young people take up training and education which would then make them eligible in most cases for child benefit.
