Nora Owen
Question:129 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he proposes to examine the issue of child benefit for twins in the forthcoming budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15830/97]
Written Answers. - Child Benefit.
Child benefit is currently payable in respect of all children up to age 16 and continues to be paid in respect of children up to age 19 who are in full-time education or are physically or mentally challenged. 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, there is provision for the payment of a £500 grant at the birth of twins and for two further grants of £500 payable when the twins reach the ages of four and 12. Over 1,400 families have benefited from these grants at an annual cost of almost £700,000.
In line with the recommendations contained in various reports, including the report of the expert working group on integrating tax and social welfare, the interim report of the Commission on the Family and the ESRI report on poverty in the 1990s, the improvements in child income support introduced this year are designed to benefit low income families and, in particular, larger families. This has been achieved by increasing the higher rate of child benefit, payable in respect of third and subsequent children, by £5 and by increasing the lower rate of child benefit, payable in respect of the first and second child, by £1.
The Government is committed to protecting and enhancing the role of the family in society. In that context, one of my priorities is the continued development of child benefit as a key support for every child in the state. The question of introducing specific measures in respect of twins will be examined in the light of overall budgetary priorities.