Tom Kitt
Question:185 Mr. T. Kitt asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will extend the social welfare payment for twins to allow for additional payments to be made to all twins attending second level schools. [17268/96]
Written Answers. - Extension of Grant for Twins.
Child benefit is payable in respect of all children up to age 16 and up to age 19 in respect of children who are in full-time education or are physically or mentally handicapped. Child benefit is payable at double the normal rate for each child where three or more children are born together.
In recognition of the significant additional costs involved for parents of twins, I made provision in the 1996 budget for increasing the grant in respect of the birth of twins to £500 and for the introduction of a new grant of £500 which is payable on the twins reaching the ages of four and 12. These new grants are intended to assist with the particular financial pressures arising at birth and as the twins enter primary and secondary school. The improvements were brought into effect from 1 January 1996 and to date some 1,400 sets of twins have benefited at a cost of almost £700,000.
In addition to the improved grants, the monthly rates of child benefit have been increased 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 rspect of other children. Assistance with back-to-school expenses is also provided under supplementary welfare allowance administered by the health boards and funded by my Department. This provides an increased allowance in 1996 of £43 in respect of children from two to 11 years of age and £58 in respect of qualified children from 12 to 22 years of age.