Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Apr 1996

Vol. 464 No. 2

Written Answers. - Child Benefit.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

113 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason child benefit for single children, triplets and multiple births is payable up to the 19th birthday in view of the fact that the child grant for twins ceases at the children's 12th birthday; his views on whether this is discrimination against twins on age grounds; and his further views on whether it would be more consistent within the overall framework of child benefit to continue this payment to a fourth payment at the age of sixteen. [7911/96]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

Child benefit is payable in respect of all children, including twins, up to 16 years of age, and up to 19 years in respect of children who are in full-time education or are physically or mentally handicapped. Benefit is payable 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. These arrangements were extended to include the birth of twins in 1993 when the grant of £200 was introduced.

In recognition of the significant additional costs involved for parents in multiple births I made provision in the 1996 budget for an increase, from £200 to £500, in the grant payable on the birth of twins and for the introduction of a new grant of £500 which is payable on the twins reaching the ages of four and 12.

The new grants are intended to assist with the particular financial pressures as the twins enter primary and secondary school. These improvements were brought into effect from 1 January 1996 and are in addition to the increases being provided in the rates of child benefit. From September next, the monthly payment will amount to £29 for the first two children and to £34 for the third and subsequent children. When taken together with the increases provided for in the 1995 budget, these rates represent an increase of 45 per cent in the rate payable for the first two children and 36 per cent in the higher rate payable in respect of other children.

I cannot see any basis for the Deputy's contention that providing new grants for twins constitutes discrimination against them. I believe that these arrangements are fully consistent within the overall framework of child benefit and give practical support by providing financial assistance with the extra costs which arise for parents of twins, both at birth and at the relevant ages.