Phil Hogan
Question:11 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will amend the child benefit scheme to ensure that parents of twins receive equal treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8423/03]
Written Answers - Social Welfare Benefits.
Prior to 1998, child benefit was payable at the normal rate for each child in the case of twins. However, a grant of €635 (£500) was payable at birth and further grants of €635 were payable when the twins reached the ages of four and 12.
Child benefit was paid at double the normal rate where three or more children were born together. However, no birth grants were payable in the case of triplets.
In 1998, two key additional measures were introduced, designed to improve the overall package of benefits available to parents of multiple births. First, the €635 grants, which previously were confined to families with twins, were extended to include families with multiple births of three or more children. Second, the rate of child benefit payable in respect of twins was increased to 150% of the normal child benefit rate.
Very substantial investments have been made in the child benefit scheme in recent years. Following the historic increase in child benefit rates of payment since 2001, including the increases announced in Budget 2003 which come into effect next month, Government investment in the scheme will have risen to some €1.556 billion.
In the proposed partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress, the Government is committed to completing the final phase of the child benefit multi-annual increases by 2005. This will bring additional investment in child benefit since 2001 to €1.27 billion, and total expenditure on this scheme to €1.9 billion.
These improvements which will benefit all families with children, represent, in my view, the most effective use of the available resources.
Any further changes in the scheme would have to be considered in the light of overall priorities and the budgetary situation.