Richard Bruton
Question:280 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will treat twins equal to other multiple births in relation to various allowances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17915/97]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
Tony Gregory
Question:285 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if his Department intends to review the anomaly whereby parents of twins are paid proportionately less than parents of multiple births; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18049/97]
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 280 and 285 together.
Child benefit is a universal payment which is payable in respect of all children up to the age of 16 years and continues to be paid in respect of children up to age 19, who are in full-time education or who have a disability.
In recognition of the special difficulties faced by parents in the more exceptional circumstances of the birth of triplets, quadruplets etc., child benefit is payable at double the normal monthly rate for each such child, so long as at least three of the children remain qualified. In addition, a grant of £300 is payable on the birth of triplets, while a grant of £400 is payable on the birth of quadruplets or more.
While the birth of twins is a much more common occurrence than the birth of triplets etc., the particular problems associated with rearing twins have also been acknowledged under the child benefit scheme. A grant of £500 is paid on the birth of twins and an additional grant of £500 is payable when the twins reach the age of four years and again at 12 years.
There are at present an estimated 12,500 sets of twins for whom child benefit is payable at the normal monthly rate. The estimated additional cost of paying child benefit double rate in respect of twins would be of the order of £9.6 million.
The Government is committed to protecting and enhancing the role of the family in Irish 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.