Qualified Child Increase Payments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2013

Tuesday, 18 June 2013

Questions (242)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

242. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 445 of 11 June 2013, what is the position where the child is normally resident with each parent for an equal amount of time, that is, where a child spends Sunday to Saturday, week on/week off with each parent; the way the child can be considered to be normally resident with one parent over the other in this case where the child is equally resident with each parent; if the payment can be split between both parents in this situation; if the payment cannot be split where the child is normally resident with each parent for an equal amount of time, is it not the case that one parent is being unfairly treated in view of the fact that they would be without a payment when the child is living with them and that this would not be in the best interests of the child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29153/13]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

As stated in the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 445 of 11 June 2013, the main principle underlying decisions in relation to who receives QCI payments in the social protection system is that of the normal residence of the child. Where the child is resident part of the time with each parent the child is generally considered to be normally resident with the parent with whom the child spends most of the time.

Insufficient details have been provided in the question to establish the specific circumstances in the case referred to and as my Department tried but was unsuccessful in contacting the Deputy to get further details such as the name and PPSN of the claimants, we cannot ascertain the specific circumstances in this case as they were assessed for the purpose of the claim. If such details are provided, the circumstances of the case can be considered further.