Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 September 2014
42. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to set out the cost of restoring, by 50%, the cut in funding provided for child benefit introduced since the Government came to office; the cost of fully restoring the funding cuts outlined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36273/14]
View answerSince 2011, the monthly rates of child benefit have been standardised at €130 per month. The cost of increasing the rate of child benefit to the rates that applied in 2011 (including the re-introduction of certain grants payable in respect of multiple births) is estimated at €215 million in a full year. The cost of restoring the rate of child benefit to 50% of the 2011 rates is estimated at €108 million in a full year.
Issues in relation to the rate of social welfare supports in 2015 are a matter for Government in the context of the forthcoming Budget.
