Mary Upton
Question:877 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will consider making child benefit payments available on a fortnightly basis as this will help many families in managing their budgets. [11722/04]
View answerTuesday, 27 April 2004
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Written answers
Child benefit is paid monthly at the beginning of each month to all families irrespective of income. In the past it has been argued that moving to a more frequent payment would assist families on low income. A change to a more frequent payment, such as weekly or fortnightly, would lead to a payment later than is currently available.
Since 2001 child benefit has been increased by €77.64 for each of first two children and by €94.19 in respect of the third and subsequent children. The measure helped low income families without affecting their incentive to take up paid employment.
My Department has overall responsibility for the money advice and budgeting service. It provides advice to individuals and families who have problems managing their finances, are in debt and who are on low income. The service does not provide financial assistance to its customers. It places an emphasis on practical personal budgeting measures that help people with debt problems. There are 52 offices all over the country and a person with debt problems should be referred to their local MABS office for advice.
At present I have no plans to pay child benefit on a fortnightly basis. It would have major administrative and financial implications and would have to be considered in a budgetary context.